To-day is Wednesday." Madelon Hautville spoke with her proud chin raised, and her eyes as compelling as a queen's; but in spite of herself there came into her voice the tone of one who counts the days to death.
Her father looked at her sharply.

She turned again towards her task at the table.

"Well, Lot Gordon can give ye a good home," said he.
"His health ain't very good, that's the most I see about it.

But he may last a number of years yet--folks in consumption do sometimes; and I hear he's gettin' over that cut he give himself.

I suppose he did that because he thought you wouldn't have him." Madelon, moving about the table, did not say a word.
"It must have been that," said David Hautville.