They were in the long living-room at the mid-day meal.

His sons, who were leaving the table, waited to hear the answer; the mother, the very children, looked at her with interest.
"I do not know," said Susannah.
There was a pause, and for the first time she was aware that there was some sentiment in the minds of her hearers which did not appear upon the surface.
She went on, "I don't know why he should trouble himself to come back for me except that--I think that he was much touched by some earnest words my husband said to him that he did not see his way to accept, and I think also that he is zealous for the Church." Her surpassing wrongs had so far set her apart and made all that she said and did sacred.

No one questioned her further.
In the beginning of February the Danite reappeared.

He came under the cover of night, but showed himself only when the household was awake.

He was much thinner, more gaunt than before, but in frankness and quietude the same.