And many a kindly heart
ached for her, remembering how Fanny loved the sunshine and laughter.
But at last the spring grew too wonderful to resist. Even Fanny's numb
heart and flayed spirit was warmed with the golden heat. She had some
money that she wanted to deposit in the bank for John. For Fanny was
saving now as only Fanny knew how when she set her mind to it. And she
had set not only her mind but her very soul on making good. Every
cruel taunt had left a ghastly wound and only work of the hardest kind
could ease the hurt.
Fanny walked through the streets as though she had just recovered from
a long illness. Everybody who saw her hurried out to greet her and
talk but she only smiled in a pitiful sort of way and hastened on. It
was nearly noon and she wanted to avoid the midday bustle and the
crowds of children. She had set out the children's dinner but she
hoped to get back before they reached home.
She came out of the bank and stood on the bank steps. She looked down
the streets. Nobody was about and so against her will her eyes turned
to the spot where she had been so pitilessly pilloried a month before.
As then, Seth's team was standing in front of the hotel. Little Billy
Evans was climbing into the big wagon.
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