sum."

She shook her head decidedly. "I don't wish to see him again. I don't wish to
go before people and have the--the--past talked about. I'd like a place with
some kind, quiet people who keep no other help. Perhaps they wouldn't take me
if they knew; but I would be so faithful to them, and try so heard to learn
what they wanted--"

"That's all nonsense, their not taking you. I'll find you a place some day,
but you're not strong enough yet. You'd be brought right back here. You're
as pale as a ghost--almost look like one. So don't be impatient, but give me
a chance to find you a good place. I feel sorry for you, and don't want you
to get among folks that have no feelings. Don't you worry now; chirk up, and
you'll come out all right."

"I--I think that if--if I'm employed, the people who take me ought to know,"
said Alida with bowed head.

"They'll be blamed fools if they don't think more of you when they do know,"
was his response. "Still, that shall be as you please. I've told only my
wife, and they've kept mum at the police station, so the thing hasn't got into
the papers."

Alida's head bowed lower still as she replied, "I thank you. My only wish now
is to find some quiet place in which I can work and be left to myself."

"Very well," said Tom good-naturedly. "Cheer up! I'll be on the lookout for
you."

She turned to the window near which she was sitting to hide the tears which