Marion Marlowe's Money, or, Brave Work in the Slums — page 15: what you’re looking at

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

1 —_ > daw pS Ae “i creature, MY .QUEEN. smacked of the farm, but his words were ccurteous and gentle. “Oh, thank you!” said the girl, as she sank into the seat. “It is warm and I am tired, although I believe I had ‘not realized it? A moment later the countryman secured a seat by her side.» He seemed nervous and uneasy, and, after a short time had elapsed, he turned and addressed her. “You'll excuse me, miss, but I’m a stran- ger here. I’m on my way tew Police Head- quarters, and I don’t ’zactly know the way; -maybe you could direct me—yew look more civil than the conductor.’ Marion smiled a little as she made answer: “Tf you get off at Houston street, you will be very near,” she began, and at that instant the car stopped with a jolt that nearly threw her over on the gentleman’s shoulder. “Oh, I beg your pardon!” she éried, glanc- ing up into his face. . There was no answer _ whatever. Her neighbor had not even heard her. He sat staring fixedly at a young woman - who had just entered the car, a pale, haggard whose clothing was cheap and tawdry. Marion watched him curiously, but at length he turned to her again, breathing a deep sigh as he did so that spoke both of dis- appointment and relief. . “Not her, thank God!’ Marion heard him mutter, and just then she saw that they were nearing his corner. 9) “You must get off here, sir,’ she said, touching him on the arm. “Walk one block east, then any one will show you the build- ing. With a hasty “thank you,” the man left the 29 - car, brushing past another shabby young woman who got on just at that moment. Marion watched him with a feeling of sympathy as she saw him turn in the direc- tion of the Mulberry street building. 13 “Oh, I hope his errand there is not a sad one,” she thought; “if it is I am sorry for him, for I, too, have taken that journey to Headquarters, and I know exactly how his heart is aching.” She was-thinking deeply of her own bitter experience when, as a,poor country girl, she had come to the big city to find her sister— the dainty bride, who, thanks to her noble sister, was now safe and sound in the home of a true husband. | A sharp cough aroused her, and she glanced around to find that the poor gir] who had just entered had taken the seat beside her. though she seemed alert and cheerful. Marion noticed that she was ill, al- A crowd of people boarded the car at the - “next two crossings and the discomfort of the passengers was soon even more marked and general They jostled and pushed each other as they reached for the straps, and harsh words exchanged in the most were generous manner. Presently the young girl at Marion’s side moved suddenly. She began staring about her as if searching for something; then, with a sharp cry of agony, she sprang up and called out to the conductor: | “Stop! There’s a thief on this car! My Oh, what shall Ido? They’ve taken every penny!” pocket-book has been stolen! She began wringing her hands and the tears streamed down her face. Marion felt her heart aching with sym- pathy for the poor unfortunate. “Why didn’t you hold on to your purse?” asked the conductor surlily, as he pushed the passengers about rudely and glanced around for the missing article. “Here, you needm’t shove me!” cried a burly fellow. “I’m uncomfortable enough now—get off of my feet, you lubber!” “Oh, you must find it—you must!” shrieked CORnNIECLOOOKSsEO im