things, my dear.
Think it over."

"No, no! I've screwed my weak soul up to treating him more
courteously--and it must be now--at once--before I break down!"

"I don't think you ought to force your nature. No woman ought to be
expected to."

"It is my duty. I will drink my cup to the dregs!"

Half an hour later when Mrs. Edlin put on her bonnet and shawl to
leave, Sue seemed to be seized with vague terror.

"No--no--don't go, Mrs. Edlin," she implored, her eyes enlarged, and
with a quick nervous look over her shoulder.

"But it is bedtime, child."

"Yes, but--there's the little spare room--my room that was. It is
quite ready. Please stay, Mrs. Edlin!--I shall want you in the
morning."

"Oh well--I don't mind, if you wish. Nothing will happen to my four
old walls, whether I be there or no."

She then fastened up the doors, and they ascended the stairs
together.

"Wait here, Mrs. Edlin," said Sue. "I'll go into my old room a
moment by myself."

Leaving the widow on the landing Sue turned to the chamber which had
been hers exclusively since her arrival at Marygreen, and pushing to
the door knelt down by the bed for a minute or two. She then arose,
and taking her night-gown from the pillow undressed and came out to
Mrs. Edlin. A man could be heard snoring in the room opposite. She
wished Mrs. Edlin good-night, and the widow entered the room that Sue
had just vacated.

Sue unlatched the other chamber door, and, as if seized with
faintness, sank down outside it. Getting up again she half opened
the door, and said "Richard." As the word came out of her mouth she
visibly shuddered.

The snoring had quite ceased for some time, but he did not reply.
Sue seemed relieved, and hurried back to Mrs. Edlin's chamber. "Are
you in bed, Mrs. Edlin?" she asked.

"No, dear," said the widow, opening the door. "I be old and slow,
and it takes me a long while to un-ray. I han't unlaced my jumps
yet."

"I--don't hear him! And perhaps--perhaps--"

"What, child?"

"Perhaps he's dead!" she gasped. "And then--I should be FREE, and I
could go to Jude! ... Ah--no--I forgot HER--and God!"

"Let's go and hearken. No--he's snoring again. But the rain and the
wind is so loud that you can hardly hear anything but between
whiles."

Sue had dragged herself back. "Mrs. Edlin, good-night again! I am
sorry I called you out." The widow retreated a second time.

The strained, resigned look returned to Sue's fa