hat's bred
in the bone will come out in the flesh,' unless, of course, the spirit
of Christ takes possession of the body."

"We hope it will," said Faith, almost cheerily, "and then Lou has had a
fearful experience--she may be different altogether."

"And Miss Dean," suggested Mrs. Marvin, in a reminiscent manner.

Faith laughed a little before she answered. "She finds nothing to do in
the store now," she said, "but we still differ a little in our notions
and theories."

Mrs. Marvin left the room a few minutes later. Whether it was done for a
purpose or not, Faith did not have time to conjecture.

"Faith, dear Faith," whispered Mr. Watkins, quickly, "am I never, never
to hear your answer?"

He bent toward her so pleadingly that Faith closed her eyes
instinctively. It cut her to the heart to have to witness his sorrow.

"I have loved you so long, so patiently, dear! Can you not give me some
hope, even though it is for the far-distant future?"

"I cannot! Oh, I cannot!" murmured Faith in agony. "Oh, I wish I could,
Mr. Watkins, but it is impossible! I cannot love you!"

The young man rose without a word and took his hat from the table.

"Good-night, Faith," he said, gently. "Good-night, little sister! Don't
worry about me! Some day I will get over it!"

He went silently away without waiting for Mrs. Marvin. Faith breathed a
sigh of relief that her sad duty was over.

"You have refused him, Faith!"

Her mother spoke softly. "Poor fellow! I am sorry, but you know your own
mind, darling."

They sat down again and Faith took up a book. A peal at the bell made
her drop it suddenly.

A few moments later young James Denton entered. He was taller, broader
and deeply bronzed by travel.

"At last, I see you again," he whispered softly as soon as Mrs. Marvin
had left them together.

"Tell me of your travels," said Faith very quickly. The color had risen
to her face and her heart was beating wildly.

"Well, I went all over Europe and the Continent," he said wearily; "but
a year is not long enough for a fellow to down a bad reputation! I have
come back to find myself in contempt, the same as before, but I have
decided that I shall not run away again. I am going to try and live down
what I could not run away from."

Faith looked at him questioningly, but did not speak. The young man
understood the glance and hurried with his explanation.

"I am going to work in the store with my father now," he said, quietly,