You must be more careful in future." With slow steps and bowed head Mr.Ridley left the station-house and took his way homeward.

How could he meet his wife?
What of her?
How had she passed the night?
Vividly came up the parting scene as she lay with her babe, only a few days old, close against her bosom, her tender eyes, in which he saw shadows of fear, fixed lovingly upon his face.
He had promised to be home soon, and had said a fervent "God bless you!" as he left a kiss warm upon her lips.
And now! He stood still, a groan breaking on the air.

Go home! How could he look into the face of his wife again?
She had walked with him through the valley of humiliation in sorrow and suffering and shame for years, and now, after going up from this valley and bearing her to a pleasant land of hope and happiness, he had plunged down madly.

Then a sudden fear smote his heart.

She was in no condition to bear a shock such as his absence all night must have caused.