“They have every right,” she rejoined, sharply. “If thou hadst come to see me even once—why hast thou not?”
“I—I—have been travelling in the country with cheap jewelry. The tailoring is so slack.”
“Look me in the eyes! The law of Moses? No; it is a lie. God shall forgive thee. Why hast thou not come?”
“I have told thee.”
“Tell that to the Sabbath fire-woman! Why hast thou not come? Is it so very much to spare me an hour or two a week? If I could go out like some of the patients, I would come to thee. But I have tired thee out utterly——”
“No, no, Sarah,” he murmured uneasily.
“Then why——”
He was covered with shame and confusion. His face was turned away. “I did not like to come,” he said desperately.
“Why not?” Crimson patches came and went on the white cheeks; her heart beat madly.
“Surely thou canst understand?”