There was a genuine ring in his voice as he spoke, and as Mr. Denton detected it, he rose and placed his hand upon his shoulder.
"Better stay with me, brother, and let us work together," he said gently. "In the vineyard of the Master there can be no unrewarded labor."
Mr. Forbes shook his head and turned away.
"We can attend to the legal details some other time," he said briefly. "You are busy to-day, so I will not detain you."
Mr. Denton sat down at his desk again, and as the door closed behind his partner he bowed his head upon his bosom.
"Alone and yet not alone," he whispered softly. "God grant me strength to do my duty, and if my lot is failure, let me accept it bravely. It is all a man can do. He must follow his conscience."
The door opened again, and Faith Marvin entered. She had her hat on, and was ready for the visit to Maggie Brady.
"I wonder what she wishes to see me for?" said her employer, musingly. "Is she desirous of upbraiding me, do you think, Miss Marvin?"
"Why should she upbraid you?" asked Faith, very soberly. "You certainly are not to blame for the actions of your son, and as for her arrest, you simply had to do it."
"She may say that I should have protected her from him," he answered. "Some way I blame myself continually in that particular direction."