“And you gave it to him?”
“Yes; I got ready a lunch for him and made him some tea, though he wanted liquor.”
“And this was the way of repaying the favor?”
“He had heard in some way that my husband brought home some money last evening and he demanded it. I wish, Mr. Nutt, you would take charge of it till my husband comes home. I don't dare to have it in the house.”
“It won't be necessary, for there comes your husband.”
It was true. Ephraim Gregory turned the corner of the street, and paused in surprise at the spectacle before him.
“What's the matter, Lucy?” he asked.
She briefly explained.
“I am so glad you are at home,” she sighed. “But how do you happen to come so early?”
“I think it was a presentiment of evil. I thought of the money I had left with you, and it occurred to me that it might expose you to danger. So I got leave of absence and took an early train for Elm Bank.”