“It is simple. The difficult thing is to put it into practice—the most difficult thing in the world. Both courage and faith are required, faith that is content to trust as to the nature of the reward. It is the wisdom of foolishness. Have you the courage?”
She pressed her hands together.
“Alone—perhaps I should have. I don't know. But my husband! I was able to influence him to his destruction, and now I am powerless. Darkness has closed around me. He would not—he will not listen to me.”
“You have tried?”
“I have attempted to talk to him, but the whole of my life contradicts my words. He cannot see me except as, the woman who drove him into making money. Sometimes I think he hates me.”
Hodder recalled, as his eyes rested on her compassionately, the sufferings of that other woman in Dalton Street.
“Would you have me desert him—after all these years?” she whispered. “I often think he would be happier, even now.”
“I would have you do nothing save that which God himself will reveal to you. Go home, go into the church and pray—pray for knowledge. I think you will find that you are held responsible for your husband. Pray that that which you have broken, you may mend again.”
“Do you think there is a chance?”
Hodder made a gesture.