“You are a good ally,” said Miss Dean, watching her, “but, my dear, the day of miracles is ended.”

“But with God all things are possible!  It would be no miracle for Him!  I did not mean to infer that I or any human being could reach their hearts, still our words and our prayers, are they not noble weapons?”

“I am not so sure,” said the inspector, gravely.  “I think, dear, I am better fitted to experiment on a purely worldly basis.  For instance, I have already reported the condition of that cloak-room, the drainage, ventilation and unsuitable location.  Then I have mentioned the inadequate fire appliances in the building as well as the long hours you girls are obliged to stand and the short time which you are allowed for luncheon.  I think that several of these matters will be changed at once, but there are others which will take longer or which may never be accomplished.”

“It will make them very angry, will it not, when they hear of your report?  And the alterations will be expensive, especially when it comes to altering the cloak-room.”

“Oh, well, we inspectors cannot worry over any personal feelings, my dear.  Our duty is to make right all wrong conditions.  We are to look after the health of people, not their money.  The only question is how to do this in the quickest possible manner.”

Faith glanced at her sharply.  She was a handsome woman.  There was a resolution in her face that commanded instant admiration.

“I am glad to have seen you to-day,” Miss Dean said as they reached the corner.  “I find my sympathies are more and more enlisted through acquaintance with you girls.  Why, I feel that I would like your employers to spend millions in making your labors a little lighter.”

She smiled pleasantly as she spoke and offered Faith her hand.

“Good-by, dear,” she said brightly, “there’s a good time coming.”

Faith watched her as she boarded a car—­she was so ambitious, so full of vigor and so nobly intentioned.

“If she were only an inspector sent from God, now,” she whispered, then a tremor shot over her frame at such a wonderful suggestion.

“Why should I not be an inspector sent from God,” she murmured, “to seek out the dark places and let in the light?  If it is only a candle flame it will help a little.”

She turned abstractedly, almost dazed by her thoughts.

The next instant she was brought almost rudely to her senses.  Some one had called her by name.  She turned and faced young Denton.

CHAPTER XIV.

Mr. Forbes talks on religion.

About two hours before the meeting of Faith and young Denton, Duncan Forbes returned from burying his son, and sat down disconsolately in the library of his handsome residence.

Although only the junior partner in the firm of Denton, Day & Co., still his interest, together with his salary as superintendent of the establishment, brought him in every year a princely income.