The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1914-01-11
CHAPTER VIII.
The Thief.


in an extra closet OF her bedroom for
the sake of greater privacy on occa-
sion. During her absence from the
drawing room Carson again came into
the apartment seeking her. On being
told by Aggie as to Mary's where
sbouts be sat down to await her re-
turn, listening without much interest
10 the chatter Of the adventures. The
maid appeared and said:
There's girl wants to see Miss
Turner
she says its important. | guess
the poor things in hard luck from the
look of her" the kindly Eannie added.
"Oh, then, she'll be welcome. of
course" Aggie declared, and Carson
nodded in acquieseence. TELL her to
come in and wait, Fannie. Miss Turn
err will be here right away" She turn
ed to Carson as the maid left the
room. Mary sure is an easy boot"
she remarked cheerfully. Bless her
soft heartl"
A minute later girl perhaps TWEEN
ty years of age stepped just within
the doorway and stood there with eyes.
downcast after one swift. furtive
glance about her Her whole appear
ance was that of detection. Her soil
ed black gown. the cringing posture
thespaIlor OF her face. proclaimed the
AFFECT misery Of her state.
Are you Miss Turner" she asked
In a voice broken by nervous dismay.
Really. am very sorry" Aggie re-
piled primly, but / am only her cou-
sin, Miss Agnes Lynch. But Miss
Turner is likely to be back any min
ute now"
Can / waite" came the timid ques-
ton.
Certainly Aggie answered hospi-
tally. please sit down"
AS the girl obediently sank down on
the nearest chair Carson addressed
her sharply, so that the visitor started
uneasily at the unexpected sound.
You don't know Miss Turner"
NO. came the faint reply
'Then, what do you want to see her
about?'
"she once helped a girl friend of
mine, and I thought thought
.You thought she might help you,"
Carson interrupted.
You have been in stir-priscn, L
mean" Aggie hastily corrected the
lapse into underworld slang
Came a distressed Inuttering of as
sent from the girl.
The conversation was put TO an end
by the entrance of Mary, who stopped
short on seeing the limp figure hud'
died in the chair.
"a visitor, Agnes?'' she inquired.
At the sound Of her voice the girl
looked up and spoke with some degree
OF energy.
You're Miss Turner" she question
ed
Eyes" Mary said. Her words rang
kindly and she smiled encouragement
gasp burst from the white lips of
the girl. and she covered as one strict-
en- physically.
MARY Turner! oh. my God. r.
She hid her face within her arms and
sat bent until her head rested on her
knees I'm an abasement OF misery.
Vaguely startled by the hysterical
outburst from the girl. Mary's immedi-
ate thought was that here was pitt
full instance OF one suffering from star
vation.
Joe" she directed rapidly. 'have
Fannie bring a glass of milk with an
egg and a little brandy in it. right
away"
The girl in the chair was shaking
soundlessly under the stress of her
emotions. A few disjointed phrases
fell from her quivering lips.
.7.5-sA eoy1idnsfrt
Don't try TO talk just now Mary
warned, reassuringly. wait until
you've had something to eat"
Asgie, who had observed develop
ments closely. now lifted her voice In
tardy lamentations over her own stu
pidity.
why, the poor gawk's hungry" she
exclaimed "And I never got the dope
on her. Amt the simpr'
The girl regained degree OF self
control and showed something of for
lorn dignity.
Yes she said duffy, 'I'm starving"
Mary regarded the afiicted creature
with that sympathy born only OF ex-
perience.
yes" she said softly. 81 under
stand. linen she SPOKE 10 ASSle-
Take her to my room and let her rest
there for awhile. Have her drink the
egg and milk slowly and then lie down
for few minutes anyhow"
Half an hour afterward Aggie re
ported with her charge, who, though
still stumbling OF gait and STOPPING.
showed by some faint color in her face
and an increased steadiness Of bearing
that the food had already strengthened
her much.
she would come" Aggie explained
"I thought she ought to rest for awhile
longer anyhow"
arm all right. tell you" came the
querulous protest.
Are you quite sure:" Mary said TO
the girl. .aThen tell US all about it