"This man you say you have married?" she asked. "Where is he?"
"He has gone to America," said Faith. "He went this morning; he won't be back for seventeen days."
Then the full pathos of her position overcame her and she broke down into tears.
"I did it for your sake," she sobbed. "I thought you would be so glad. I hated to see you look tired. I hated to see you work so hard, and he promised me he would give you a house in the country and send the twins to school. When he comes back he'll tell you himself."
There was a little silence.
"Faith," said Mrs. Ledley painfully, "do you think he ever will come back?"
Faith's tears were dried in a scorching flush. She raised her little head proudly.
"I know he will," she said.
Mrs. Ledley's face softened. She came over to where the girl sat, and bending, kissed her.
"Tell me all about it," she said.