The $500 Check — page 287: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

268 THE $500 CHECK. dollar affair led me to fear that he had in- herited loose ideas about honesty.” ‘What do you mean?’’ demanded Mrs. Barton, her cheeks aflame with indignation. ‘T shouldn’t think you would need to ask. Of course we both know why Mr. Barton is an exile, unable to return home.”’ ‘Yes, Albert Marlowe, we do know! Heis an innocent man suffering for the crime of an- other. ’’ ‘‘That is what he says, is 1t?’’ sneered the squire. ‘‘ That might be expected.’’ ‘Because it is true; but, Albert Marlowe, I have good hopes that his innocence may be vindicated, and the real criminal brought to light.” Her intense gaze made the squire uncomfort- able. ‘‘ Did she mean anything?’’ he asked himself. ‘Tt is natural for you to take the most favorable view of the matter,’”’ he said; ‘‘ but your hope is hardly likely to be realized. Good-morning.”’ Mrs. Barton looked after him, and her spirit rose in revolt against the inequalities of for- 4