Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1899-12-23
CHAPTER II.

II was late next morning before the
children awoke With considerable
timidi;y Gabrielle climbed ont of the
wagon fearing always that the police
man was after them. on looking
around she espied her friend of the
previous day, the boy who drove them
to the city. She felt so lonely that she
would like 10 have spoken 10 him II
only for companionship sake, but he
was surrounded by crowd OF men and
boys, who stared rudely at them as
they approached and he did not appear
to recognize them. The question now
presented itself as to how she, a mere
child should provide for herself and her
brother. She would try to find the fac
tories Of which her mother had spoken.
Outside the market Gabrielle found
that considerable snow had fallen dur
ing the night A dim mist hung over
the city and the streets presented a
forlOrn and muddy appearance. How
ever, cuddling Pierrot fondly TO her she
pressed bravely on. The stores were all
gaily decorated with their Christmas
novelties and the baby took great de-
light in watching the mechanical toys
displayed in the windows.
Gabrielle had but dim idea OF what
a factory might be, but she went into
store and asked II they wanted help
such as she could give. The clerk eyed
them suspiciously and told her TO be OF
Towards noon the crowds on the streets
became denser, and the people pushed
the children as they strolled along
Gabrielle grew more and more sick az
heart. Her courage seemed 90 be fall
ing her, and she was lame from so
much unusual exercise. on the corner
Of the street where she stood was an
immense store, in fact the famous Bon
Marche Of Paris. They went inside
but she could not find courage 20 adj
dress herself 10 any OF the stylish look
ing clerks. They seemed so full OF busi-
ness, and remembering the rebuff she
had received before, she waited near a
counter on which were displayed some
delicate lace goods, Once more she es-
sayed TO speak to one Of the ladies and
stepped forward. but her fear over
came her. and she trembled from head
TO foot. In her excitement she forgot
Pierrot. who was busily engaged in an
exploring expedition on his own ac-
count. His little head was only on
level with the counter, so holding on
the edge, he stood on tiptoc to obtain
n better view Of the pretty things. In
so doing he pulled one Of the articles
of the table Gabrielle turning just
then, saw him and also that the lady
was watching them very suspiclously.
She picked up the handkerchief and re-
placed Il, and taking her brother in
her arms, was Fastening out OF the
store, when she heard a stern voice be-
hind her command her 10 come back.
Poor Gabrielle, terror stricken, started
TO run, but a cry Of stop THIEF was
raised, and a strong hand laid on her
shoulder and she was forced 20 re-
turn. The customers crowded round,
but the floor manager requested her
10 step into a small room In the rear
He ordered her to sit down and then
turned 20 answer a question that was
addressed 20 him by one Of the clerks.
This gave the child little time 10 COM
pose herself, and also 20 take a look
al the gentleman. who was very tall
man. thin and middle-aged with gray
hair and eyes and gray moustache.
the latter was waXed to such an ex-
tent that II stood out on each side like
two little sword points she thought.
His face wore an expression Of extreme
irritability.
Finally he turned towards her. She
rose respectfully. "Sit down." he thun-
dered. The girl obeyed him trembling
~ and Pierrot chung 10 her and hid his
face In her skirts.
Don't you think you are a very wick
ed girl?" he asked. glaring at her
sayagely. Poor Gabrielle could not see
exactly In what way she was worse
than other people so remained silent.
Answer mel" he reared.
She started nervously and replied