Thus, by degrees, the poor weak creature, deluding himself with excuses, slipped into the consciousness of being a thief. There are some, I suspect, who fall into vice from being so satisfied with themselves that they scorn to think it possible they should ever do wrong.

He went on taking and taking, until, at last, he was obliged to confess to himself that there was no possibility of making restoration before the time came when his borrowing was discovered as out-and-out embezzlement. Then, in a kind of cold despair, he grabbed a large sum and left the bank an unconvicted felon. What story he told Amy, who was now his wife, I do not know. But once convinced of the necessity for concealment, she was as careful as he. He brought her to their refuge by the back way. She came and went only through the cellar, and knew no other entrance. When they found that, through Amy’s leaving the door unlocked when she went out to shop, others had taken refuge in the cellar, they dared not, for fear of attracting attention to themselves, warn them off the premises.

—Thirty-Five —

Amy and Corney

The Frankses remained at rest until the funeral was over, and then Hester encouraged the father and sons to go out and follow their calling while she and the mother did what could be done for the ailing baby, who could not linger long behind Moxy. And the very first day, though they went out with heavy hearts and could hardly have played with much spirit, they brought home more money than any day for weeks before.

The same day lord Gartley called, but was informed by Sarah, who opened the door but a crack, that the smallpox was in the house and that she could admit no one but the doctor. She said that her young mistress was perfectly well, but was in attendance upon the sick and could and would see nobody. So his lordship was compelled to go without seeing her, not without a haunting doubt that she did not want to see him.

The major also made his appearance that day. Sarah gave him the same answer, adding by her mistress’s directions that in the meantime there was no occasion to make further inquiry about Mr. Cornelius. It was all—as Sarah put it—explained, and her mistress would write to him.

But what was Hester to tell her father and mother? Until she knew with certainty the fact of her marriage, she shrank from mentioning Amy, and for the present it was impossible to find out anything from Cornelius. She decided to simply write that she had found him, but very ill, that she would take the best care of him she could, and as soon as he was able to be moved, she would bring him home.

The big room was, for the time, given over to the Frankses. The wife kept everything tidy, and they managed things their own way. Hester inquired about their needs now and then, to be sure they had everything necessary, but left them to provide for themselves.