“I’m afraid I can’t,” said young Denton, rising.  “I have one of those natures that cannot accept the marvelous, and, further, I’m too great a sinner to reform, I guess; but please don’t forget me because of that, Miss Marvin.  I would give more than I can tell to have you think well of me.”

Again the admiring glance rested upon the fair girl’s face, and it took all Faith’s composure to reply sedately.

“I shall be glad to think well of you,” she said, a little shyly; “but you have much to undo, I’m afraid, before that can be accomplished.”

“You are thinking now of what you have heard of me,” said the young man, quickly.

“I am thinking of what I have seen,” was Faith’s decided answer, “and I cannot think well of you when I look at poor Maggie Brady.”

“Don’t mention her name!” cried her caller, almost angrily.  “It is bad. enough for you to have to work with her, but it is worse to know that you are wasting your thoughts on her!”

“Mr. Denton, I am ashamed of you!” Faith’s voice rose instinctively.  “How dare you speak disrespectfully of one of your own victims?”

A half sneer passed over the young man’s face.

“I thought she’d been telling a lot of tales,” he said, fiercely.  “No doubt she has blackened my character through and through!  I can never hope to overcome your impression of me, Miss Marvin!”

“On the contrary!” said Faith, hotly, “she has never spoken of you to me!  All that she ever said of you was said on those two occasions in your presence.  But she doesn’t have to speak, for I can see it in her face.  That girl’s soul is on your conscience.  You are responsible for her, Mr. Denton!”

Young Denton turned and looked at her searchingly.

“So long as you believe that, there is no hope for me,” he muttered.

The next moment he bowed silently and left the apartment.  When he had gone Faith stood a moment almost trembling with excitement.  She did not even try to explain her many conflicting emotions.  This much she knew—­she pitied him exceedingly, he was so young, so weak—­she could reason no further.

When her mother came in she was crying softly.  The events of the day had completely unnerved her.

Mrs. Marvin finally succeeded in comforting her a little, and then followed plans for the future, both for themselves and others.

They decided to move as soon as possible, so that they could accommodate little Dick in a more satisfactory manner, and also have a room for a servant and one for visitors.

It was a pleasant programme, and its arrangement cheered Mrs. Marvin wonderfully.  She was one of those women who droop under adversity, but who spring up like a flower at the first gleam of sunshine.

Contrary to her wishes, Faith insisted on going to the store the next morning.  She was so decided about the matter that Mrs. Marvin dared not argue.