The day dragged away, and the house quieted down. It was like a tomb, Faith thought, as she wandered restlessly about through the empty rooms.
She felt as if she would go mad in her loneliness. She would have given her soul for someone in whom she could confide.
The maids came to try and coax her to eat, but she shook her head.
"I can't. Oh, please leave me alone!"
Later in the evening she crept downstairs and stood outside her husband's closed door. He was alone there she knew! She wondered what he was thinking—if his thoughts were of Peg—and suddenly Mr. Shawyer's words came back to her.
"Surely it is worth sacrificing a little pride to win a great happiness."
Was it still hers to win? She had no real hope, but her feet unconsciously moved a little nearer to that shut door.
Twice, three times, she raised her hand to knock, and let it fall again to her side.
She had no courage. She feared him as she had never feared anyone in her life, and yet ... once he had been all that was good and kind! Her aching mind recalled the first days of their acquaintance, his gentleness and generosity, and with a fresh spurt of courage she lifted her hand and tapped timidly on the door.