“Yes!  Mam, I would.”

“Mr. Clifford,” said Belle, “Mrs. Gough would like to speak with you.”

“Do you not know me?” said Mary, looking anxiously into his face.

“I recognized you as soon as you moved into the neighborhood.”

“I am very glad.  I feared that I was so changed that my own dear mother would hardly recognize me.  Don’t you think she would pity and forgive me, if she saw what a mournful wretch I am?”

“Yes, I think she has long forgiven you and longs to take you to her heart as warmly as she ever did.”

“And my father?”

“I believe he would receive you, but I don’t think he would be willing to recognize your husband.  You know he is very set in his ways.”

“Mr. Clifford, I feel that my days are numbered and that my span of life will soon be done; but while I live I feel it my duty to cling to my demented husband, and to do all I can to turn him from the error of his ways.  But I do so wish that my poor children could have my mother’s care, when I am gone.  If I were satisfied on that score, I would die content.”

“Do not talk of dying,” said Belle taking the pale thin hand in hers.  “You must try and live for your children’s sake.  When you get strong I think I can find you some work among my friends.  There is Mrs. Roberts, she often gives out work and I think I will apply to her.”

“Mrs. James Roberts on St. James St. near 16th?”

“Yes! do you know her?”

“Yes,” said Mrs. Gough closing her eyes wearily, “I know her and have worked for her.”

“I think she is an excellent woman, I remember one morning we were talking together on religious experience, and about women speaking in class and conference meetings.  I said I did not think I should like to constantly relate my experience in public, there was often such a lack of assurance of faith about me that I shrank from holding up my inner life to inspection; and she replied that she would always say that she loved Jesus, and I thought Oh, how I would like to have her experience.  What rest and peace I would have if I could feel that I was always in harmony with Him.”

“Miss Belle I hope you will not be offended with me, for I am very ignorant about these matters; but there was something about Mrs. Roberts dealings with us poor working people, that did seem to me not to be just what I think religion calls for.  I found her a very hard person to deal with; she wanted so much work for so little money.”

“But, Mrs. Gough, the times are very hard; and the rich feel it as well as the poor.”