“I have heard of one department store in Philadelphia, I think, where the proprietor gave situations to a lot of men after he had bought them out or completely ruined their business.  That is better than nothing,” said Mr. Watkins thoughtfully.

“It is the only recompense possible in such an unjust transaction.”

“They do not think it unjust; they call it simply business,’” said Faith bitterly.  “The one who sells the most goods is considered the smartest.  It is a case where might makes right—­the survival of the fittest.”

“In other words,” replied Mrs. Marvin, “a rich corporation justifies its methods on the grounds that it has a right to transact business on a scale corresponding to its pecuniary ability—­there is no question of morality involved.  Every man for himself, and the devil take the hindmost.  Yet there are people who believe that there is no future punishment for these malefactors.”

“God will punish them according to His judgment, mother.  It may be here and it may be hereafter.  We have nothing to do with their wrongdoing.  We must suffer and be brave—­that is our duty and our mission.”

“And do you see no injustice in that?” cried Mr. Watkins sharply.

“Was it right that poor Mary should be born to poverty and disease and wear her young life out in agony, while so many of the wicked are flourishing?  Oh, I have tried not to question or even to think, but the promise of salvation grows daily more dull in my ears.  I doubt the mercy of God and I cannot help it!”

CHAPTER XII.

A complication of troubles.

Faith could think of no words then to comfort Mr. Watkins.  His grief was too poignant.  She changed the subject.

When he left the house to go home, she put on her hat.  There was something she wished to say to him that she could not say before her mother.  There was an errand at the grocery that gave her an excuse, and as the hour was not late, Faith welcomed the opportunity.

As soon as they were in the street she told him her experience with the store detective and asked his advice in case she should be annoyed in the future.

Before the words were fairly out of her mouth she wished she had not spoken.  There was confusion and shame upon her companion’s face, and his lips trembled strangely when he tried to answer her.

For a moment Faith could hardly believe her senses.  She stared at him stupidly, while her limbs trembled beneath her.

Instantly a suspicion darted through her brain.  She remembered that he, too, had been in the superintendent’s office that evening, and that it was possible, even probable, that he knew something about the money.

“Oh, Miss Marvin, this is dreadful!” he managed to say at last.  “I did not dream that they would settle upon you!  I thought, that is, I hoped, that they had dropped the matter!”