They left the building together, going out of one of the side doors.  Just as they reached the sidewalk a handsome carriage drew up before the entrance.

“Why, that is my own carriage!” exclaimed Mr. Denton quickly.

The next instant James Denton sprang from the carriage and came face to face with Faith and his father.

CHAPTER XXXV.

Maggie Brady’s secret.

“What is it?  Is anything wrong?” asked Mr. Denton quickly.

“Mother is worse,” was the short answer.  “She’s gone out of her head completely.”

Mr. Denton paused and rubbed his brow perplexedly.

“Oh, what is it, sir?” asked Faith eagerly.  “Is your wife really ill?  I have heard it rumored that she was, but I did not know whether to believe it.”

“She is, indeed!” exclaimed young Denton, looking angrily at his father; “and she has every reason to be.  It is only natural.”

“Hush!” exclaimed Mr. Denton sternly.  “You shall not criticise my actions.  As your father, I expect and demand your silence.  I am responsible to God alone—­not to my wife or family.”

“Well, you will have her to answer for, just the same,” said the son, sullenly.  “She can’t see you throwing away your money and keep her senses much longer.”

“For shame!” cried Faith hotly.  “Can’t you see, Mr. Denton, that your father is sorely distressed?  How dare you trample upon his feelings in such a brutal manner?”

James Denton wheeled around and faced the speaker.

“My mother is going crazy,” he said, almost gently.  “You must pardon me, Miss Marvin, but I love my mother.”

Mr. Denton opened the carriage door and motioned for Faith to enter.  There was a look in his face that permitted no misunderstanding.

“Your mother’s doctor and nurse are with her, are they not?  Then I shall not be needed for an hour, and I have an important engagement.  I am going to call upon Maggie Brady, one of my son’s unfortunate victims,” he added slowly.

James Denton turned as pale as death as he listened to these words.  For a moment it looked as if he were about to spring forward and drag his father from the carriage in order to prevent this visit.  In a second they were rattling away from the door.  Faith’s last glance showed the young man still standing motionless and livid.

“He fears something from the interview,” was her first quick thought.  She glanced up at Mr. Denton.  It was plainly to be seen by his face that he shared her suspicions.

They were admitted at once to the corridor of the jail, and the keeper allowed Miss Brady to join them.

“How are you to-day, Maggie?” asked Faith as sweetly as she could.  “You see, I have kept my promise.  I have brought Mr. Denton to see you.”

“My poor child!” said Mr. Denton, offering Miss Brady his hand.  “I am more than sorry to have been the means of bringing you here; but I had no alternative.  I had to do my duty.”