Chapter 23
A DANGEROUS STEP Edith took her deed, and went first to Mr. Hard. There were both coldness and curiosity in his manner, but he could gather little from Edith's face through her thick veil. She had a painful shrinking from meeting people again after what had happened, and this was greatly increased by the curious and significant looks she saw turned toward her as soon as it was surmised who she was. Mr. Hard promptly declined to lend any money. He "never did such things," he said. "Where would I be apt to get it?" asked Edith, despondently. "I scarcely know. Money is scarce, and people don't like to lend it on country mortgages, especially when there may be trouble. Lawyer Keen might give you some information." To his office Edith went, with slow, heavy steps, and presented her case.
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