When I left home"--his voice
lingered on the word--"I gave my wife and children two-thirds of what
I had. The rest I put into an annuity, which dies with me. That will
do nothing for those I love and who love me."
To Alice, the case seemed almost hopeless. Here was a man who, owning
his past life had been self-reliant, independent, impatient as
regarded advice and control--was now weaker than a child, for, in
youth, Faith is triumphant.
"You must have a talk with Quincy, Uncle. Perhaps he can help you."
She went down stairs with a sinking heart. She loved her uncle, but
love, powerful as it is, cannot always cast out unbelief.
"Where can your husband be, Alice?" asked Mandy. "Half-past six, and
supper's ready. I remember how I used to call out 'supper's ready'
when you and he were in the parlour singing. I hope you'll sing some
to-night."
Mrs. Crowley rushed into the dining room. "He's coming, but he's got
a woman with him."
"Who can she be?" thought Alice as they followed Mrs. Crowley to the
front door.
"Hello, Alice," cried Maude. "I've brought him back with me."
Quincy told Ambrose, Mandy's boy-of-all-work, to drive the team to
the Hawkins' House and tell Mrs. Hawkins that he wished a room that
night for his sister. Ambrose's hand clutched the half-dollar tightly
as he repeated the message to Quincy's satisfaction. Mrs.
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