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Erica and her father returned on the Saturday, and then began a
most trying time. Tom seemed to shrink from her just as he had
done at the time of her mother's death. He was shy and vexed, too,
and kept as much out of her way as possible. Mrs. Craigie, on the
contrary, could not leave her alone. In spite of her brother's
words, she tried every possible argument and remonstrance in the
hope of reconvincing her niece. With the best intentions, she was
often grossly unfair, and Erica, with a naturally quick temper, and
her Raeburn inheritance of fluency and satire, found her patience
sorely tried. Raeburn was excessively busy, and they saw very
little of him; perhaps he thought it expedient that Erica should
fight her own battles, and fully realize the seriousness of the
steps she had taken.
Have you thought, urged Mrs. Craigie, as a last argument have
you thought what offense you will give to our whole party? What do
you think they will slay when they learn that you of all people
have deserted the cause?
The tears started to Erica's eyes, for naturally she did feel this
a great deal. But she answered bravely, and with a sort of ring in
her voice, which made Tom look up from his newspaper.
They will know that Luke Raeburn's daughter must be true to her
convictions at whatever cost.
Will you go on writing in the 'Idol'? asked Tom, for the first
time making an observation to her which was not altogether
necessary.
No, said Erica how can I?
Tom shrugged his shoulders, and made no further remark.
Then how do you mean to live? How else can you support yourself?
asked Aunt Jean.
I don't know, said Erica. I must get some other work
somewhere.
But her heart failed her, though she spoke firmly. She knew that
to find work in London was no easy matter.
Offer yourself to the 'Church Chronicle,' said Mrs. Craigie
sarcastically, or, better still, to the 'Watch Dog.' They always
make a good deal of capital out of a convert.
Erica colored and had to bite her lip hard to keep back the quick
retort which occurred to her all too naturally.
By and by Mr. Masterman and another wellknown secularist walked
in. They both knew of Erica's defection. Mr. Masterman attacked
her at once in a sort of bantering way.
So Miss Raeburn, now I understand why some time ago you walked out
in the middle of my lecture one evening.
And then followed a most irritating semiserious remonstrance, in
questionable taste. Erica writhed under it. A flippant canvassing
of her most private and sacred thoughts was hard to bear, but she
held her ground, and, being not without a touch of her father's

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