Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1894-05-11

Harrington where l was housemaid,
and was to be parlor-maid here. But
oh, what shall do If she's leftp"
mo need to think about that till
we're sure,e said !, more to comfort her
than because / had much doubt.
couldn't see ITO Let" about any.
where; but the windows were very
dirty, and altogether the place looked
as deserted as last years nest. Per
haps the masters in the city, the missis
out shopping, and your fellow-servants
taking an airing Anyhow, if you'll
keep an eye on the cab-the horse won't
stir of his own accord, promise you
pll nip round to that post Office and
ask"
The post Office was only one of those
little places where they haven't any
thing to do with the delivery of let
ters; and they couldn't, or wouldn't,
tell me much, though l cross-ques-
toned the young woman in charge
nearly as hard as lawyer once cross
running-down case
| walked slowly back, hoping to
goodness somebody belonging to the
place would have turned up while I was
away; and, sure enough, when l got
round the corner, could see some one
talking to the girl.
That's all right, William" says l to
myself. But it wasn't The chap was
only policeman.
"Hullo! l0,414," says he. Trust a
copper to take the number of cab if
he stands within sight of it for five
seconds. whats the meaning of
this?"
That's just what want to know"
says |. eff you're the officer on the
beat, perhaps you can tell me where
to find somebody belonging to seventy
four"
"Ay!" says he, chuckling II can
tell you fast enough In Holloway
prison on er-and-charge of general
swindling. Surely you're not another
victim?"
"No fear" replied. but Pm afraid
this young woman is. A Mrs Some
thing-or other Penrose has engaged her
as parlor maid"
"Oh she has, has she?" said he. Tell
me, my dear did she borrow any money
from you?"
"Oh yes, sir; she did indeed" cried
the poor girl, now fairly breaking
down. Ten pounds the day before she
left Harmingham. Twas 10 have extra
wages for being so ready to oblige her. I"
"Ah" said the policeman, 81 thought
SO. My lady has been playing the same
game, or a similar one, all over the
country for some time; but we've got
her at last, my girl and we shan't let
her go in hurry. If you care to have
dig at her, you can come round to the
station along with me and tell your
story to the inspector. The more of
you who appear against her, the longer
she's likely to get, if that's any conso-
lation to you. 1t would be to me, l
know"
And to me-" chimed in. "rll drive
you and the officer round with pleasure,
miss, II you'd like to 60"
sob! no, no" she moaned She was
sitting on her box by this time and cry
ing as if her heart would break, Even
the copper looked sorry for her; and |
felt as if hanging would be too good
for Mrs, Penrose. II don't want re-
venge. But what am to do? what am
| to do?"
well, If you'll take my advice" put
in the copper, you'll let cabby here
drive you back to the station, and take
the first train home to your friends"
II haven't any friends" said she, 'or
any money to pay my fare, if had"
Don't say that, miss" said |, wink
ing at the copper, There must be
some one down in your part of the
country who'd put you up till you've
time to turn round; and as for fare,
why, they know me so well at the
Great Central, that could arrange it
with the booking clerk"
But she stuck out she couldn't think
of anywhere to 60. She said she'd no
parents, no relatives even that she
knew of; and as for friends, we'll, a
servant in boarding house naturally
don't make many of the sort that's use
full in crisis.
what the dickens are we to do?" ]
whispered to the copper.
There's the casual ward" he whis-
pered back.
"Oh! sink the casual ward" said |,
disguised.
with all my heart" says he. But
what else is there?'
"Well, amt there refuge or home
or some thing somewhere haudy?" |
asked
why yes" replied he, There's
one in X square; but don't know
whether they'll take her in; and il
they will, it's hardly the sort of place
for such as her. It's more for-yor
know"
"Ay, know" said l. with a sigh
81 might try it, though"
Yes" says he; you might, if the
young woman has no objection. Any
how, she can't stop here all night
Come, clear off, you boys"
1t was very quiet street. was Blanl
street, but little crowd had collected
by this time While Robert moved
them on, l told the girl about thu
refuge; and though it was easy 70 Sc,
she didn't like the idea of it, she sale
she'd go; and thanked us both for the
trouble we were taking.
Don't mention it, miss" said 1; anC
Robert, he slipped shilling into my
hand on the sly.
Get her decent lodging for to
night if they won't have her." h,
whispered II think you're a chap t.
be trusted"
THE same to you, my boy; and thanl
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