said Valancy thoughtfully — but rather as if her thought was concerned with something else than theology.

“No, no,” boomed Abel, striking a tremendous blow on a stubborn nail. “There’s too much hell here — entirely too much hell. That’s why I get drunk so often. It sets you free for a little while — free from yourself — yes, by God, free from predestination. Ever try it?”

“No, I’ve another way of getting free,” said Valancy absently. “But about Cissy now. She must have some one to look after her — ”

“What are you harping on Sis for? Seems to me you ain’t bothered much about her up to now. You never even come to see her. And she used to like you so well.”