Do Not Seek Absolution II

Arthur returns to Archie Downes in Annesburg after helping him at the mine and asks whether Edith has agreed to leave. Archie says she refuses Arthur's money because it came from crime, and has continued prostituting herself rather than accept it. He fears for her after seeing her leave a few hours earlier with a dangerous-looking man, bound toward Willard's Rest. Arthur apologises for the ruin he brought upon the Downes family, then sets out through Roanoke Ridge to find her.

At Manito Glade, Arthur finds Edith with the man. She is plainly frightened by his manner, so Arthur orders him to leave her alone and threatens him when he lingers. The man finally rides away after making a parting threat of his own. Arthur tries to speak with Edith, but his coughing exposes his tuberculosis. She recognises the illness that killed Thomas Downes, and Arthur admits that his beating of Thomas for Strauss's debt helped destroy her family.

Edith breaks down as Arthur tells her that pride cannot be allowed to endanger her and Archie. She agrees to return to Annesburg. During the ride, she rejects his apologies, saying they cannot restore her husband, and tells Arthur to decide what kind of man he will be in the time left to him. Back with Archie, Edith embraces her son. Arthur urges them to leave Annesburg, and Edith eventually accepts his money without offering forgiveness. Arthur watches them return to their lodging before walking away.