The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-04-19


 recovered her possession and renewed her resolution to reunite her parents. She had made a mistake and fallen into the hands of the enemy. She must es- cape and readjust her plans. At the depot the lawyer went to the ticket window to purchase the tickets. Ap- preciating her opportunity she darted nut of the door and into an electric street car about to start. Looking back she laughed to see Hiram Stapleton rush out of the door of the station and look wildly in every direction.
 Realizing her ignorance of the city she could safely seek shelter for the night. Realizing also the danger of pursuit, she changed her name and in- vented a story about coming to the city to seek employment. She was directed to very decent place, where lodging was secured for a nominal price and then she figured out a new campaign. She knew the suburb where her parents had formerly lived. Thither she went on the following day and found the old home she remembered. It was inhabit- of desperation she inquired among the neighbors. carefully concealing her identity. What she learned filled her with concern. Gilbert Lansing, her father, was supposed to be travelling in the Orient. Mrs. Lansing was some where in the South. nobody knew ex. actly where.
 Marian returned to the lodging house in despair. She was baked and ali because that horrid ogre of a lawyer refused to help her. Her soul rose in revolt against him. Then she thought of the future. A great terror seized her as she thought of returning to the convent. She knew she was disgraced forever in the eyes of the sisters and she knew the many ways she would be made to feel their displeasure. So she drifted along for a few days, not knowing what to do. Then she real ized with a shock that her money was almost exhausted. She thought of go- ing to Stapieton and throwing herself upon Nhis mercy. But her pride and hatred dismissed the idea at once. No, she would work and earn her own living first
 She started out to seek work in the stores where she saw many girls em- ployed. in offices, in binderies and fac- tories-but she had no skilled labor to offer and was turned away until her heart was as sore as her feet. The days passed and the bottom of her purse was reached. Then came an icy
 
 she realized the bitter fact that the world has no use for the person with out money. Frightened. desolate and desperate, she staggered out for a fin- al trial. If she failed-why there was the river as a last resort
 But it Is always darkest just before dawn and the tide turned on this dark est day of her life. She happened into big insurance office, where extra | Ag- and she was engaged temporarily.
 The manager noticed her and was impressed by her refined face and manners and after the extra work was out of the way she was transferred to a regular department and put on the pay roll.
 These were the happiest days she had ever known. Small as her wages were they suf1ced for her needs and she was absolutely independent and mis- tress of herself. But there is no rose without thorn and soon Marian found herself the object of most embarrass- ing attentions from the manager of the department. As they grew to be intolerable she found rescue from an unexpected quarter. Tom Wilson, sub -bookkeeper. observed the mana gers attentions one afternoon and fol- lowed Marian out into the hall, where he hailed her.
 T beg your pardon said he, but can see that you are a country girl and not used to city ways; therefore I take the liberty to say to you that the less you have to do with Hyde the better 1t will be for you. I say this because I have a sister myself and I would deem it a particularly friend ly act if some fellow would give her a tip in a case like this
 Marian flushed scarlet Thank you sir" she said. T have tried every way to avoid him, but cannot" Her eyes filled with tears and Tom noticed then that they were uncommon fine eyes.
 'I'll sec that he does not annoy you further" he said.
 He was as good as his word. One interview with Hyde suficed and Ma rian was left iu peace In this way a friendship began between Wilson and Marian. which resulted in something warmer, and in the springtime, when Tom told her the old, old story. she was glad to lay her tired head on his broad shoulder and let him assume all the responsibility and care.
 And a new nest was built in a quiet little flat and Marian sang all the day long.