The poor woman clasped her hands over her face and began weeping again, while Joshua Marlowe stood like one transfixed, staring grimly at her.
There was a light step on the snow outside, but neither of them heard it. The next second the door flew open and a beautiful girl stood upon the threshold, her eyes flashing like diamonds as their glance fell upon the weeping woman.
“Mother! Mother! I have come back!” cried a sweet, young voice.
The poor woman dropped her apron and gave a scream of joy.
“Oh, Marion! Thank God! It is my darter Marion!”
CHAPTER II.
PAYING OFF THE MORTGAGE.
Without even noticing her father, Marion Marlowe crossed the room to her mother’s side, and for just a moment mother and daughter wept together.
Joshua Marlowe stared at her silently. He could hardly believe his eyes. Was this beautiful, stylishly dressed girl his daughter Marion?
After her burst of tears was over, Marion dried her eyes. It was not her nature to waste much time in weeping.