“‘Had you nothing on your person that could tempt a thief?’
“‘Nothing. No watch-chain, no jewelry, no ear-rings even.’
“‘Then,’ he uttered, knitting his brows, ‘it is not a fortuitous crime: it is another attempt on the part of your enemies.’
“Such was also my opinion. And yet:
“‘But, sir,’ I exclaimed, ‘who can have any interest to destroy me, —a poor obscure girl as I am? I have thought carefully and well, and I have not a single enemy that I can think of.’ And, as I had full confidence in his kindness, I went on telling him the story of my life.
“‘You are a natural child,’ he said as soon as I had done, ‘and you have been basely abandoned. That fact alone would be sufficient to justify every supposition. You do not know your parents; but it is quite possible that they may know you, and that they may never have lost sight of you. Your mother was a working-girl, you think? That may be. But your father? Do you know what interests your existence may threaten? Do you know what elaborate edifice of falsehood and infamy your sudden appearance might tumble to the ground?’
“I was listening dumfounded.
“Never had such conjectures crossed my mind; and, whilst I doubted their probability, I had, at least, to admit their possibility.
“‘What must I do, then?’ I inquired.
“The peace-officer shook his head.