d like to
die feeling as I do to-night. You see, I never expected it-- I never
dreamt that such a thing could be possible. I thought all chance of ever
begging his forgiveness was gone, and now maybe, some day or other, I
can. I wouldn't ask him to take me back, you understand, but only to say
that he wouldn't hold it against me the rest of his life. But I'd want
him to know one thing, Tilly, my sweet child, and that is the things you
have done for me on account of--on account of--you know what I mean?"

"Hush, grandmother," Tilly answered, in the tremulous tone which
indicated emotions firmly checked. "You must not forget who I now am.
You must not forget that I'm the mother of those darling children."

"No, my child, nor can I forget their noble father. I wouldn't wound him
for the whole world. I love him as--as--yes, I love him as much as I do
John, but in a different way, that is all. John was my baby, Joel is my
grown-up son. You must never forsake Joel in thought, word, or act.
Remember that."

What Tilly answered Joel refused to hear. He was too honorable a man to
listen further, and he turned back and with slow, weighty steps reached
his home again. He stood in the kitchen doorway, waiting. He heard
Tilly and the children coming. They were singing merrily and romping
like sprites across the meadow.

"I'm coming! I'm coming! I'll catch you! Boo!" Tilly cried. "Hide from
him, darling--hide behind the bushes! Where is she, brother? She must be
lost. Oh, there she is!" This was followed by childish screams of
delight and the mother's cooing words.

Joel went to meet them, advancing across the yard and taking little
Tilly into his arms.

"I know we are late," his wife said, regretfully, "but grandmother came
part of the way back, and you know she walks slowly."

"It is all right," Joel said, pressing little Tilly's cheek to his. "It
is not very late."

"Well, I'll hurry with the supper," Tilly answered. It was significant,
he reflected, that she did not mention then the reception of the
startling news by Mrs. Trott. Even while they all sat at the table Tilly
failed to bring it up, and a general air of repression brooded over
them.

Indeed, the children had been put to bed, the dishes washed, and husband
and wife were alone together in the moonlight at the door, and still the
subject in the minds of both had been avoided. He wondered if she
expected him to mention the matter. Surely she ought to know that i