Her hour of temptation was passed.
Thus Deliverance knew God had pardoned her sins.
Chapter XI
Abigail goes to Boston Town
That same morning, while it was still in the cool of the day and the sun cast long shadows across the dew-wet grass, Abigail was making her way along the forest path which led to Deliverance’s home. In a pail she carried ginger-cookies her mother had sent in exchange for some of Goodwife Higgins’ famous cheese-balls.
Since such woeful misfortune had befallen its little mistress, the farmhouse seemed to have acquired a sorrowful aspect. The gate swung open dismally, and weeds had sprung up boldly in the garden. Abigail went round to the kitchen.
It was empty. The floor had been freshly sprinkled with sand; the milk-pans were scoured and shining in the sun; a black pot, filled with water, swung over the fire, and Deliverance’s kitten slumbered on the hearthstone.
Abigail placed the pail of cookies on the table and seated herself to await Goodwife Higgins’ return. Soon the goodwife entered, bearing a big golden pumpkin from the storehouse.
“I be glad to see ye, Abigail, if a sorrowful heart kens aught o’ gladness,” she said, putting down the pumpkin. “Ye look well and prosperous. I wonder if my little Deliverance has sufficient to eat and warm clothing o’ night. I have reared her tenderly, only to strike her a blow when most she needed me. I carry a false and heavy heart.” She sat down and, flinging her apron over her head, sobbed aloud.