Janet Todd read the account of the fatal accident to Warren Courtly in the paper, but she did not grieve much over his death, although she felt sorry it had taken place. There was nothing now to hinder her returning to her father, and it was the only thing she could do, as she had very little money.
She wrote to Eli begging his forgiveness, and asking if he would take her back. Needless to say, his reply was loving and fatherly, and he implored her to come home without delay.
Janet returned, and Eli—good, large-hearted man that he was—received her with open arms, and she was grateful for his kindness.
Some weeks after her return he said to her one night—
"Janet, I had made up my mind never to allude to the past, but I will ask you one question and have done with it."
She knew what the question was, and decided there could be no harm in answering it now, more especially as Irene knew the whole circumstances.
"I will answer any question you care to ask me," she said.
"Who induced you to run away and leave me?" he asked.
"Warren Courtly."
"I thought as much," was his reply.