"That is all very well to say. Bind me, but how? What bind will hold—when the marriage tie does not?"
"The marriage tie would have held me till death," answered Mehetabel gravely, "if Jonas had not done that which makes it impossible for me to remain. It is not for my sake that I am away. Had I been alone I would have borne all till I died. But I have other duties now. I am a mother. Here is my darling, a charge from God. I owe it to God to do what I am here for—to find another home, a place away from the Punch-Bowl."
"What do you mean?"
"I cannot explain."
"Is the Punch-Bowl unhealthy for the child?"
"Yes, it would die there."
"Who told you so?"
"I know it. My heart says so."
"Now look here," said Colpus, getting red as a poppy, "there's a lot of talk in the place about you. Some say that Bideabout is in the wrong, some say that the wrong lies with you. It is reported that he beat you, and there are folks that tell as how you gave him occasion. You must let me know the right of it all, or I can't take you."
"Then I must go," said Mehetabel, "I cannot tell you all. You may think ill of me if you choose, I cannot help that."