Marion Marlowe's Money, or, Brave Work in the Slums — page 26: what you’re looking at

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24 “Do you wish me to come to court?” asked Marion, nervously. “I beg that you will,” was her escort’s an- ‘swer; “for it is only in the court-room that I can tell my story; and further, I wish you to be present to know what became of your five hundred dollars.” “Very well, I will come,’ said Marion, quietly. “Give me a memorandum of the place and the time you will expect me.” Mr. Fairfax complied,with her request, and then looked at her silently for a moment. He was wondering how it was that she was so different- from other women. “A glorious girl,” he muttered to himself. Aloud he simply remarked: “You are a wonder, Miss Marlowe.” Marion smiled and then sighed. She was both sorrowful and happy. It had been a terrible day. She would be glad when it was over. Madame Leopold was watching bys her as she reached her door. She came out of her roam, clad in her night robe and wrapper. 9 ‘“[ suppose you will never forgive me,” she said, very sweetly; “but, my dear, I was so excited, I hardly knew what I was doing.” “Well, you should have trusted me for one day,’”’ was Marion’s sad answer. “It is not pleasant to be suspected of dishonesty, madame.” “My dear child,” cried the woman, peni- tently, “I did not suspect you. I just couldn’t understand why you wouldn't tell me, and I sent a detective to you to try and scare it out of you.” Marion’s red lip curled scornfully as she turned and faced the woman, “Do T look like a coward, Madame Leo- pold?” she asked, proudly. “No power could scare a word from my lips when once I had decided that my silence was justifiable ; and above all, I would be doubly firm in a matter that pertained to another person's honesty.” HOn. J you were right,’ humbly. “I should have waited, but [ was too utterly miserable.” knew said the woman, [ couldn't. There were tears in her eyes as she uttered tne last words, and in an instant all the ten- derness in Marion's heart overflowed for her, “Don’t worry about it, madame,” she said, MY QUEEN. holding out her hand. and excited, and—well—you did not know my nature. Another time. and you will know me better.” “And you will tell me where you saw my jewels, wall you not?” asked the Mer aR. timidly. “To-morrow morning at nine o’clock you shall know,” said Marion, calmly. “There is the address of the court-room where you are expected to appear. The thiefwill be there —and so will your jewels.” CHAPTER XII. THE COURT-ROOM. When Marion entered the Police Court building the next morning she found Mr. Fairfax at the door waiting for her. Her glance swept over the big room eagerly, but at first she saw nothing. There was a blur before hér eyes, caused by her manifold emo- tions. : Mr. Fairfax led her to a seat and then left her for a moment, and soon the blur cleared away and Marion began to see distinctly. Madame Leopold was sitting up near the front with her lawyer, and her detective, Tom Burnlfam, was leaning over her shoul- . der. Suddenly Marion caught sight of a stal- wart figure, so conspicuous in the crowded room that she wondered how she had failed to notice it the moment she entered. It was Jeremiah Skinner, the honest old farmer. He was standing as near‘as possible to the prisoner’s pen. “Poor old man,” whispered the young girl to herself as she watched him; then she seemed to grow suddenly calm and a great desire to be able to help him in this hour of sorrow swept into her heart. There were representatives of all nations grouped around the room—the poor, the wretched and the vicious seemed assembled together, and for what? To bear evidence to some crime of another. “Oh, the misery of it all!” cried Marion, almost aloud, Then she sat up erect and stared at the scene before her. A door had been opened by a court attendant and a “You were nervous €omicbooks. corn