"I can't believe your son did it, nohow, Mis' Gordon," said she.
"I hope if my son is innocent he will be proved so," returned Elvira Gordon.

She was too proudly just herself not to use the word _if_, and yet she could have slain the other woman for the sly doubt and pity in her tone.
"It's harder for you than 'tis for him, layin' there," said Margaret Bean, nodding towards the house.

There was an odd gratulation of pity in her tone.

She rubbed her eyes again.
"We all have our own burdens," replied Elvira, with a dignified motion, as if she straightened herself under hers.

"I hope he will be able to speak--soon." "I hope so, if it's for the best," said Margaret Bean..