his wife drop on her knees beside his chair. He raised her instantly. "Don't
do such a thing as that," he said huskily.

Without removing her pleading eyes from his face she asked gently, "Who told
us to forgive as we would be forgiven? James, I shall be very unhappy if you
don't grant this mother's prayer."

He tried to turn away, but she caught his hand and held his eyes with hers.
"Alida," he said in strong agitation, "you heard the vile, false words that
Timothy Weeks said last night. They struck you down like a blow. Can you
forgive him?"

"Yes, and I plead with you to forgive him. Grant me my wish, James; I shall
be so much happier, and so will you."

"Well, Mrs. Weeks, now you know what kind of a woman your son came to insult.
You may tell your neighbors that there's one Christian in Oakville. I yield
to Mrs. Holcroft, and will take no further action in the affair if we are let
alone."

Mrs. Weeks was not a bad woman at heart, and she had received a wholesome
lesson. She came and took Alida's hand as she said, "Yes, you are a
Christian--a better woman than I've been, but I aint so mean and bad but what,
when I see my fault, I am sorry and can ask forgiveness. I do ask your
forgiveness, Mr. Holcroft. I've been ashamed of myself ever since you brought
my cousin back. I thought she would try, when she had the chance you gave
her, but she seems to have no sense."

"There, there! Let bygones be bygones," said the farmer in embarrassment.
"I've surrendered. Please don't say anything more."