Mrs. Lewis continued, “Liberty, don’t take Duncan’s words to heart. He’s… Like a porcupine now, covered with sharp quills. He wouldn’t meet anyone who went to visit him. He said everyone came out of pity.”

“Mrs. Lewis, I won’t blame Mr. Duncan.”

Liberty withdrew her hand softly.

She was not used to Mrs. Lewis holding her hand in such an intimate manner.

“Liberty, I came to see you because I need your help.”

Mrs. Lewis raised the subject. She watched Liberty with pleading eyes and said, “L