When the news reached the store, even Mr. Denton wept.  It was the end of a familiar but heart-rending tragedy.

And now it came time for Faith to change her plans—­for reasons of her own she felt that she must stay behind the counter no longer.

James Denton had gone abroad, so she put him out of her thoughts as completely as possible; only a vagrant memory now and then showed her the lurking shadow of her girlish passion.

As soon as she could she had a talk with Mr. Denton, whom she found, as usual, busily working in his office.

“See, Miss Marvin,” he said almost gayly as Faith entered the door, “here are a dozen letters from Christian people this morning, all congratulating me on the changes in my store!  I have been getting a few every day, but this is a splendid showing!  Here is one,” he added, selecting an envelope, “who even offers to put a large sum of money at my disposal just as soon as I have proven that Christianity is practicable and profitable.”

“And can you do this, sir?” asked Faith very eagerly.

A hopeful expression flitted across Mr. Denton’s face.

“Mr. Gibson tells me that our business is increasing every day,” he answered slowly, “and that the poor people are flocking in to look at our honest bargains, and you see here I have proof that the rich people are watching us.”

“Oh, I shall be so glad!—­so thankful!” said Faith, with a bright smile.  “I was sure you would be rewarded for setting such a noble example!  But I have come to ask a favor, Mr. Denton,” she added, softly.  “I want you to give me another position in your store instead of the one I occupy at present.”

Mr. Denton looked at her, and understood at once.

“In other words, you wish to enlarge your field of usefulness, do you not, Miss Marvin?  You think you can shed the light more successfully if you have a wider scope of action.”

“That is it exactly,” was Faith’s glad answer; “but please, Mr. Denton, I don’t wish any salary.”

Mr. Denton glanced up in a little surprise.  He had not yet even heard of her change of fortune.

“Yes, I have money enough now to live comfortably,” she explained, “and I can even help others, I think, a little.  It came to my mother some time ago, a few thousands that were due her from her father’s estate, so we are in a position to be helpful without remuneration.”

“And you will stay with me still?” asked Mr, Denton, smiling.  “You will sacrifice your liberty and your home life to stay here and labor, Miss Marvin?”

“It will be no sacrifice, I can assure you!” cried Faith, brightly, “for I am far happier here than I would be anywhere else, I fancy!”

“Then I appoint you as general inspector of my store,” said Mr. Denton, promptly, “and your duties are to consist of daily talks with the clerks and daily hints to me how I can improve their conditions.”