I got Susy's
letter two or three days ago, and after that I saw it was no use writing
to Joe. He'll never dare go against his mother and she watches him like a
cat. I suppose I deserve it--but he might have given me another chance! I
know he would if he could only see me."
Her voice had dropped from anger to lamentation, and her tears again
overflowed.
Woburn looked at her with the pity one feels for a child who is suddenly
confronted with the result of some unpremeditated naughtiness.
"But why not go back to Hinksville," he suggested, "if your husband is
ready to forgive you? You could go to your friend's house, and once your
husband knows you are there you can easily persuade him to see you."
"Perhaps I could--Susy thinks I could. But I can't go back; I haven't got
a cent left."
"But surely you can borrow money? Can't you ask your friend to forward you
the amount of your fare?"
She shook her head.
"Susy ain't well off; she couldn't raise five dollars, and it costs
twenty-five to get back to Hinksville. And besides, what would become of
me while I waited for the money? They'll turn me out of here to-morrow; I
haven't paid my last week's board, and I haven't got anything to give
them; my bag's empty; I've pawned everything."
"And don't you know any one here who would lend you the money?"
"No; not a soul. At least I do know one gentleman; he's a friend of
Arthur's, a Mr. Devine; he was staying at Rochester when we were there.
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