It was so foolish, and based on such foolish misconception; it sprang from such over-weening, arrogant self-opinion that it deserves the bitter punishment which will come; which is coming; which is with me now! It was the cause of something whose blackness I can't yet realise; but of which I will tell you when I can speak of it.

But it was not wrong in itself, or in the eyes of God or man!' The old woman said not a word.

No word was needed, for had she not already expressed her belief?
But Stephen felt her relief in the glad pressure of her finger-tips.

In a voice less strained and tense Miss Rowly went on: 'What need have I for money, dear?
Here I have all that any woman, especially at my age, can need.

There is no room even for charity; you are so good to all your people that my help is hardly required.