CHAPTER XXIV. “THE FLOWER-GIRL.”
“BY gracious, if that isn't Ida!” exclaimed Jack, in profound surprise.
He had been sauntering along Chestnut Street, listlessly, troubled by the thought that though he had given Mrs. Hardwick into custody, he was apparently no nearer the discovery of his foster-sister than before. What steps should he take to find her? He could not decide. In his perplexity he came suddenly upon the print of the “Flower-Girl.”
“Yes,” said he, “that is Ida, plain enough. Perhaps they will know in the store where she is to be found.”
He at once entered the store.
“Can you tell me anything about the girl that picture was taken for?” he asked, abruptly of the nearest clerk.
The clerk smiled.
“It is a fancy picture,” he said. “I think it would take you a long time to find the original.”
“It has taken a long time,” said Jack. “But you are mistaken. It is the picture of my sister.”
“Of your sister!” repeated the clerk, with surprise, half incredulous.