"No, madam?"
Over Father John's face there passed a quick emotion. Then this last hope must be given up.
"You have news of her?" said Mrs. Anderson.
"I have, and very bad news."
Father John then related his story.
"Oh, why—why did I let her go?" said Mrs. Anderson.
"Don't blame yourself dear lady; the person to blame is the miserable father who would not receive his lost child when she returned to him."
"Oh, poor little girl!" said Mrs. Anderson. "Such a sweet child, too, and so very beautiful!"
"Her beauty is her danger," said Father John.
"What do you mean?"