“There are so many things that might be done to improve the conditions for the girls—­so much that would add to their happiness and comfort!  And it would not take a penny from their sales, either, sir, for surely a clerk that is well and satisfied with her surroundings will be far more courteous to her customers as well as more loyal to her employers.  If they could only sit down and rest now and then!  It is awful to stand so many long hours.  We grow faint and sick, and our backs ache terribly.  Why, I have only been in the store a few days, yet last night I could not sleep, I was so lame and weary.”

She paused for breath, and then hurried on.  Mr. Denton had turned his face away, but was listening intently.

“There are all sorts and kinds of girls in the store, Mr. Denton; some are good and pure, while others are reckless and even vicious.  Poor things, they have nothing:  behind them but memories of sorrow, and there is nothing ahead of them but hard work and trouble.  It seems to me God never meant us to have it so hard—­if He had He would have made our nerves and our muscles stronger.  I think he meant us to do our share of work in the world, but he made men to protect us from the real drudgery of life, whether they were our fathers, brothers, husbands or employers.  Of course, I am only a child in years, but it has all been forced upon me by a single week in the store.  I have seen more sorrow in three days than I ever dreamed of, and I am praying night and day to be able to relieve it.”

She came to a dead stop with the tears choking her voice.  The next instant Mr. Denton rose and patted her on the shoulder.

“Bless you, child, you have shown me my duty at last!” he said, hoarsely.  “I have neglected it long enough, but, with the help of God, I will neglect it no longer.”

Faith gave a cry of joy as she heard the words.

“Oh, my prayers have been answered, dear Mr. Denton!” she cried.  “I have been begging God to let me be His torch-bearer on earth, to carry the light into the dark places where it is so much needed, to banish with its glow all the shadows of evil!”

CHAPTER XXIII.

Miss Jennings’ funeral.

The rest of the day passed very pleasantly to Faith.  She was so over-joyed at Mr. Denton’s expressions in the morning that it seemed as if nothing could depress her spirits.  The “peace that passeth understanding,” had come into her heart, and even Maggie Brady’s glances of hatred failed to cause her more than a passing sorrow.

That evening she hurried home, and had tea with her mother; then, taking little Dick between them, they went to the undertaker’s establishment to be present at the funeral of Miss Jennings.  As they reached the place Faith was surprised to see Mr. Day.  He was standing on the steps talking to two young men, whose appearance indicated that they were newspaper reporters.