Her task was that of the eternal woman: to make a home: to cleanse the world of sin and sorrow, make it a kinder dwelling-place for the children that should come.

This man was her true helpmeet.

He would have been her weapon, her dear servant; and she could have rewarded him as none other ever could.

The lamplight fell upon his ruddy face, his strong white hands resting on the flimsy table.

He belonged to an older order than her own.