Mr. Watkins smiled as he answered her question.
"He is trying to do what many men have done before him. He is trying to buy his conscience with the money he makes dishonestly, or, in other words, he is a sinner on week-days and a saint on Sundays. Why, they tell me he has started in business for himself, and with what he can gouge from the just wages of his employees he pays pew rent and gives to the heathen. It is the same old story—hypocrisy and greed! Drain the blood of the poor in order to build monuments to their ashes!"
Mr. Watkins spoke bitterly and with a tightening of the lips.
He was thinking of Miss Jennings as he finished his utterance.
After he had gone Mrs. Marvin spoke suddenly to Faith.
"Do you know, dear," she said, simply, "I believe Mr. Watkins is learning to love you! He is a fine young man. Do you think you could care for him?"
"Oh, no, no, mother! Don't ever speak of such a thing!" cried Faith, as if the suggestion hurt her.
Mrs. Marvin looked at her keenly. Her suspicions were being verified.
The next morning Faith was well enough to report for duty, and the very atmosphere of the store seemed changed as she entered.
Miss Fairbanks greeted her with honest cordiality. There were tears in her eyes as she spoke to Faith of Maggie Brady.