"Faith, dear Faith," whispered Mr. Watkins, quickly, "am I never, never to hear your answer?"
He bent toward her so pleadingly that Faith closed her eyes instinctively. It cut her to the heart to have to witness his sorrow.
"I have loved you so long, so patiently, dear! Can you not give me some hope, even though it is for the far-distant future?"
"I cannot! Oh, I cannot!" murmured Faith in agony. "Oh, I wish I could, Mr. Watkins, but it is impossible! I cannot love you!"
The young man rose without a word and took his hat from the table.
"Good-night, Faith," he said, gently. "Good-night, little sister! Don't worry about me! Some day I will get over it!"
He went silently away without waiting for Mrs. Marvin. Faith breathed a sigh of relief that her sad duty was over.
"You have refused him, Faith!"
Her mother spoke softly. "Poor fellow! I am sorry, but you know your own mind, darling."
They sat down again and Faith took up a book. A peal at the bell made her drop it suddenly.