"Now, for that lie they have told you, I am going to my husband. I start to-morrow. He has sent me money to come to him. You tell that word all up and down the mountain side, wherever there bides one to hear."
She lifted her baby, pressing his little face to her cheek, and turning, walked slowly toward her cabin door.
"Cass," he called.
She paused. "Well, Frale?"
"Cass, you hev cursed me."
"No, Frale, it is the curse of Cain that rests on your soul. You brought it on you by your own hand. If you will live right and repent, Christ will take it off."
"Will you ask him for me, Cass? I sure hev lost you now—forever, Cass!"
"Yes, Frale. I'll ask him to cover up all this year out of your life. It has been full of mad badness. Be like you used to be, Frale, and leave off thinking on me this way. It is sin. Go marry somebody who can love you and care for you like you need, and come back here and do for mother like you used to. Giles Teasley can't pester you. He's half dead with his badness—drinking his own liquor."
She came to him, and, taking his hand, led him toward the