OUT IN THE COLD, BLEAK WORLD!
"No doubt you have decided ere this what course you intend to pursue," said Mrs. Varrick sternly.
"I— I will do whatever you wish," sobbed the girl; "but oh! let me plead with you to let me stay here until Mr. Varrick returns!"
Mrs. Varrick's face grew livid in spots with anger, but by a splendid effort she managed to control herself before the detective. She turned to him.
"Will you kindly step into an inner room, and there await the conclusion of this conference?" she asked.
He bowed courteously and complied with her request. When Mrs. Varrick found herself alone with the girl, she made little effort to conceal her hatred.
"Why do you wish to see my son?" she asked, harshly. "To try to get him to condone the atrocious wrong of which you have been guilty? Your audacity amazes me!"
"I have said that I am innocent!" said the girl, and she rose slowly to her feet.
"Never, with my consent, will he ever speak to you again! Do you hear me? I would curse him if he did.