CHAPTER XXVII
When Sophie came home that evening, Samuel had mastered himself. He told her the story without a tremor in his voice. And this was well, for he was not prepared for the paroxysm of emotion with which the child received the news. Miss Gladys had been the last of Samuel’s illusions; but she was the only one that Sophie had ever had. The child had made her life all over out of the joy of working for her; and now, hearing the story of her treatment of Samuel, she was almost beside herself with grief.
Samuel wasfrightened at her violence. “Listen, Sophie,” he said, putting his arm around her. “We must not forget our duty.”
“I could never go back there again!” exclaimed the child wildly. “I should die if I had to see her again!”
“I don’t mean that,” said the other quickly—seeki
