"Greenleaf will be a powerful protector! I doubt if he can raise money enough to pay the clergyman for marrying you! He will be without a shilling in a month, if he is not now. Go to him, Sister Marcia. I would, now. You can live in his attic studio, you know. In such a romantic place you would never be hungry, of course."
Mrs. Sandford interposed,—
"Don't, Henry! This is not the way."
Marcia's eyes flashed through her tears, as she answered,—
"You say you are ruined,—that the house and furniture must go. How much better off shall I be here?"
"Well, you have your choice."
"And when the time comes, I shall take it."
Sobs and tears followed, but her lips were firm and her hands clenched.
"As you please, sister."
"You come home ill-tempered, and the rage which you could not or dared not give vent to in the street you pour out here."