“I do not expect to preach at once, but only to teach in one of the public schools, where I have heard of a vacancy, and--and--perhaps otherwise. With those whose lives are made up of hard work there must be room for willing and peaceful service. And if it should be necessary that I should work in the mills in order to render this, then I will do so; but at present I have another way in view--a social way that shall bring me into immediate relations with the people.” She still tried to argue with him, to prove him wrong in going away, but they both ended where they began. He would not or could not explain himself further. At last he said: “But I did not come to urge this matter. I have no wish to impose my will, my theory, upon any one, even my own child.” “Oh yes--Idella!” Annie broke in anxiously. “You will leave her with me, Mr. Peck, won't you? You don't know how much I'm attached to her. I see her faults, and I shall not spoil her. Leave her with me at least till you see your way clear to having her with you, and then I will send her to you.” A trouble showed itself in his face, ordinarily so impassive, and he seemed at a loss how to answer her; but he said: “I--appreciate your kindness to her, but I shall not ask you to be at the inconvenience longer than till to-morrow. I have arranged with another to take her until I am settled, and then bring her to me.” Annie sat intensely searching his face, with her lips parted to speak. “_Another!_” she said, and the wounded feeling, the resentment of his insensibility to her good-will, that mingled in her heart, must have made itself felt in her voice, for he went on reluctantly-- “It is a family in which she will be brought up to work and to be helpful to herself. They will join me with her. You know the mother--she has lost her own child--Mrs. Savor.” At the name, Annie's spirit fell; the tears started from her eyes. “Yes, she must have her. It is just--it is the only expiation. Don't you remember that it was I who sent Mrs. Savor's baby to the sea-shore, where it died?” “No; I had forgotten,” said the minister, aghast. “I am sorry--” “It doesn't matter,” said Annie lifelessly; “it had to be.” After a pause, she asked quietly, “If Mrs. Savor is going to work in the mills, how can she make a home for the child?” “She is not going into the mills,” he answered. “She will keep house for us all, and we hope to have others who are without homes of their own join us in paying the expenses and doing the work, so that all may share its comfort without gain to any one upon their necessity of food and shelter.”