In fact, it was with much reluctance I promised to come, and if Bob hadn't insisted----" He paused and pulled himself together.

"On the surface, of course, his conduct looks inexcusable, but he really has some defense, and I think you ought to hear it, for your own sake." "Perhaps I ought," she agreed quietly.

"Well, I am willing." Festing began by relating Charnock's troubles.

He meant her to understand the situation and supplied rather confusing particulars about prairie farming and mortgages.

For all that, the line he took was strong; he showed how Charnock's embarrassments prevented his offering her comforts she would find needful and saving her from the monotonous toil an impoverished farmer's wife must undertake.