CHAPTER V. MRS. MARLOW'S SCHEME.
Mrs. Marlow was of a covetous disposition, and not overburdened with principle. When she saw Mrs. Rollins drop a purse into her bureau drawer, she immediately began to consider how she could manage to appropriate it. It was necessary to get into the room when the widow was out, but unfortunately for her plans, Mrs. Rollins seldom left her daughter.
"Why can't she go out and get a bit of amusement like other folks?" she muttered.
Presently Mrs. Marlow had a bright idea. If the widow could suspect that some accident had happened to Rupert her absence could be secured.
She made her way to a district messenger office, and wrote a message announcing that Rupert had been run over and had his leg broken.
Then she went home and waited for the success of her stratagem.
Opening her door, she soon saw the young messenger ascend the stairs.
"Where does Mrs. Rollins live?" he asked.
"On the next floor," she answered, smiling with satisfaction.