“Not for the best part of a couple of hours yet.”
Mrs. Saunders waited until Esther had closed the front door. Then they went into the parlour and sat down side by side on the little horsehair sofa placed against the wall facing the window. The anxiety in their hearts betrayed itself on their faces.
“I had to leave, mother. I’m seven months gone.”
“Oh, Esther, Esther, I cannot believe it!”
“Yes, mother, it is quite true.”
Esther hurried through her story, and when her mother questioned her regarding details she said—
“Oh, mother, what does it matter? I don’t care to talk about it more than
I can help.”
Tears had begun to roll down Mrs. Saunders’ cheeks, and when she wiped them away with the corner of her apron, Esther heard a sob.
“Don’t cry, mother,” said Esther. “I have been ver
