Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-07-01
JESSICA.

The president of the Girls Gift Club
rose from her seat and stamped her
small foot impatiently.
L will never. never believe 1t. Jcs-
sica could not do such a thing II the
rest of you girls knew her as do. you
would not think OF saying the things
about her that you have Just said"
1T all seems so very clear. though.
Margaret" ventured TO say the young
secretary, nervously sharpening her
pencil and throwing the bits into the
wastebasket
Wait a moment, please" ordered
Margaret. who was on her feet again
in moment Until we have absolute
proof OF her guilt. think we have no
right to withdraw her membership T.
president OF the club. wish to say
that though the circumstances certain
~ seem very unfavorable for her,
will believe her innocent until she her
self confesses it. Even then there may
be some explanation OF her conduct"
Margaret's pretty and piQuant face
flushed and her lovely eyes filed with
tears as she, in vain. endeavored to
convince the other girls of Jessica's
innocence.
The little club was composed Of girls
who came from the best and wealthiest
families of Rockville. When they ad-
mitted thirteen-year-oi Jcssica Wal
ton into their select circle 1t was due
to the fact that her ancestors were OF
noble family, and that her grand
father had been one OF the greatest
heroes of the Revolutionary War. Now.
however. she was very poor girl.
living alone with her aged grand
mother. She was charming girl. in
spite Of the fact. and quite favorite.
even though her people weren't one OF
the wealthiest families.
The treasurer OF the club had been
absent on account of sickness the pre-
vious meeting, so the funds collected
for the purpose of making gifts for the
poor and destitute had been left in
little box on the table. When the rest
of the members had started to leave.
Jessica remained behind on the plea OF
looking up a reference out of one Of
the little library's books. The other
girls, laughing and chatting together.
left, and gave the keys to Jessica. tell
ing her to be sure and lock the door.
To-day when they returned. the
money was absent, as we'll as Jessica.
Certainly 1t seems that they had all OF
the evidence necessary to confirm their
suspicion.
The next morning Margaret received
a little note, and opening II read the
following:
Dear Margaret.-I am writing this to
guilty of doing.
Last Friday you remember. 7 went
back after the others had gone and
searched for a reference out of the
large encyclopedia. IT took me only
about fifteen minutes. and then gather
ing up all OF my papers started out.
having carefully locked the door behind
me.
That night as 7 was preparing to
write my Latin composition found
that had left ono Of the sheets in our
clubroom, which contained very i'm
portant date that / was compelled to
have in order to write my Latin.
Grandm other told me I could run over
and get It. as it was only o'clock.
club and opened the door. Before I
had time to turn on the light. I heard
a rustling sound and then a clinking
on the floor. which, Of course. was the
$40. Frightened almost out OF my
senses 7 was beginning to run when
some one said, "Jessica" and then there
was Mabel Melton. She was sobbing
as II her heart would break. and con-
fessed her attempt to steal the money.
which she said she wanted to help
send her mother to tho hospital. You
know she is very poor. and no doubt
needed the money. which. however.
doesn't excuse her though. When I
assurco ner Oh our forgiveness IT She
would promise never to do 1t again. the
poor little thing stopped crying and
we picked up the money together.
Come over to my house as soon as
you can. Margaret, and I will give you
the money.
rs ever yours.
JESSICA
1t took ss,ly a few minutes for Mar
garet to 20 AID implore Jessica's for
givenesss
For really. Tsssca," said Margaret.
Though said J believed you innocent.
there really was 4 shadow OF doubt and
distrust In my heart. But you will for
give me. won't,.you, darling Jessica?'
For answer Jessica slipped her hand
Into Margaret's and drew sigh Of
happy contentmant. sS
3. /. D, In LIAM III FRANKLIN.