Only one lingering uneasiness dwelt upon her mind, and that was dispelled. A ring at the door, an announcement of a gentleman to see her, and she was ushered into the presence, and clasped in the embrace of John Elkton.
“Let me congratulate you, dear Jennie,” he said. “I have met Mr. Leonard. He has told me of the surprising change in your relations. I am glad to learn that you have found a new father.”
“Is it not strange, John?” she murmured, yielding to his caresses; “and so sudden. I have hardly got accustomed to the thought yet, though I am growing to love him. You know all?”
A shadow of doubt as to how he would view her alms-house experience came upon her.
“I know all,” he replied. “You are from the alms-house and I from the prison. If there is any disgrace attaches to either of us it is to me.”
“No, indeed, you brave noble fellow,” she cried, warmly kissing him. “I love you for what you did. Every one will respect you that you were willing to suffer for your friend.”
“How was it all found out?”
“I discovered it,” she answered.
“You?”
“Yes. On my visit to the prison I learned that Jesse Powers was the man who gave you the silk.”