“You have been collecting evidence for divorce, then?” “No, I was collecting it to assure myself that the gossip I had heard was false--and to submit to you.” “But why to me?” “When I first learned of this hideous situation my first impulse was to rush to the courts. I went to church instead. I heard your sermon. It stopped me from seeing a lawyer.” “I am glad my poor words have served some useful end.” “But have they?” “If I have prevented one divorce I have not lived in vain.” “You don't think I have a right to ask for one?” “Absolutely and most emphatically not.” “In spite of anything he may do?” “Anything! He will come back to you, Charity. Possess your soul in patience. It may be years, but keep the light burning and he will return.” “In what condition?” “My child, you shock me! You've been reading the horrible literature that gets printed under the guise of science.” “I must wait, then?” “Yes, if you wish to separate from him for a time, your absence might waken him to a realizing sense. There are no children, I believe.” “None, yet.” “Yet? Oh, then--” “If there were, would it make a difference?” “Of course! an infinite difference!” “You think a man and woman ought to let their child keep them together in any event?” “Need I say it? What greater bond of union could there be? Is it not God's own seal and blessing on the wedlock, rendering it, so to speak, even more indissoluble? You blush, my child. Is it true, then, that--” “A child is expected.” “Ah, my dear girl! How that proves what I have maintained! The birth of the little one will bring the errant father to his senses. The tiny hands will unite its parents as if they were the hands of a priest drawing them together. That child is the divine messenger confirming the sacrament.” “You believe that?” “Utterly. Oh, I am glad. Motherhood is the crowning triumph; it hallows any woman howsoever lowly or wicked. And you are neither, Charity. I know you to be good and busy in good works. But were you never so evil, this heavenly privilege would make of you a very vessel of sanctity.” Charity turned pale as she sprung the trap. “The child is expected--not by me, but by the other woman.” Doctor Mosely's beatitude turned to a sick disgust. Red and white streaked his face. His first definite reaction was wrath at the trick that had been played upon him. “Mrs. Cheever! This is unworthy of you! You distress me! Really!” “I was a little distressed myself. What am I to do?” “I will not believe what you say.” “I heard her confess it--boast of it. She agrees with you that the tiny hands will bring her and the father together and confirm the sacrament.” “It can't be. It must not be!” “You don't advocate that form of birth-control? They are arresting people who preach prevention of conception. You are not so modern as that.” “Hush!”