Chapter12

#Chapter12

OUT IN THE COLD, BLEAK WORLD!

/"No doubt you have decided ere this what course you intend to pursue,/" said Mrs. Varrick sternly.

/"I— I will do whatever you wish,/" sobbed the girl; /"but oh! let me plead with you to let me stay here until Mr. Varrick returns!/"

Mrs. Varrick's face grew livid in spots with anger, but by a splendid effort she managed to control herself before the detective. She turned to him.

/"Will you kindly step into an inner room, and there await the conclusion of this conference?/" she asked.

He bowed courteously and complied with her request. When Mrs. Varrick found herself alone with the girl, she made little effort to conceal her hatred.

/"Why do you wish to see my son?/" she asked, harshly. /"To try to get him to condone the atrocious wrong of which you have been guilty? Your audacity amazes me!/"

/"I have said that I am innocent!/" said the girl, and she rose slowly to her feet.