For Love or Gold? The Story of a Great Department Store — page 148: what you’re looking at

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

144 ~—_A Painful Situation. _ Mr. Denton had turned toward Faith as he asked the question. — ‘ “More enemies than friends, I am afraid, sir,’ ’ was the answer, “for although I have tried my best to be friendly with the girls, they all treat me coldly ; they are not at all jike Miss Jennings.” “Tt is strange how they dislike and distrust each ober? said Mr. Denton, sadly. “But I suppose it is because they ‘ have so little in life, they are constantly filled with envy over the possessions of others.” Tf Faith knew this to be a compliment she did not show a it So far it had not seemed to her that the girls were envious of her beauty. “You may go now, Sam,” said Mr. Denton, kindly, “and, see here, young man, keep your mouth shut about this matter! Nota single word until I give you permis- sion !” ' Sam promised faithfully, and was glad to do so. Since he had been restored to his position he had silently wor- shiped Mr. Denton. “Now, Miss Marvin, I must caution you as I did Sam,” said the gentleman. “Say nothing until the officer here has ferreted out this matter. A single word might put the ~ eriminal on guard, and a single utterance may delay the triumph of justice.” He dismissed the young girl with a courteous bow, and was surprised that she still lingered in a pleading manner. “Please, Mr. Denton,” she. cried, brokenly, “don’t try to ferret the matter out! I beg of you, sir, let it drop and keep it a secret! The injury to your son is no greater than to me, so let it go no further, I implore it, Mr. Denton!” _ “What, pass an attempted murder by!’ exclaimed Mr. Denton in amazement. “I am astonished, Miss Marvin, that you should make such a suggestion!” “But I do make it!’ cried Faith desperately, “and I beg that you will grant it! Surely it was I who was to be the victim. I should be allowed to forgive the culprit!” “On what grounds?” asked Mr. Denton, who was try- ing to exercise justice. “On the grounds that it will do no good to expose or cComicbooks.com