Adrift in New York: Tom and Florence Braving the World

e Leave

it. She could not feel that she was taking her last look at the familiar room, and well-remembered dining-room, where she had sat down for the last t

going away?" asked Jane, the warm-hearte

answered Fl

I didn't think your uncle

because I won't marr

. I never liked Mr. Waring. He

, Jane; but I will not ma

here are you going, i

ane," said Flore

t walk about

call for me at eight o'cloc

a young g

hink he is a true friend. He says he will find me a comfortab

r a living, Miss Florence

st, J

t shame-you,

that light. I shall be happier for h

rk will

yet. Dodger wi

, mi

dge

is

e boy I

's got a q

much. It's the heart I think of,

u known

sterday for t

fellow who was

es

ny for the likes of

young lady. I am poorer than even you. This Do

mind borrowing some money of me? I've got ten dollars upstairs in my t

gratefully. "I thought I had but

he money? I'll go r

twenty dollars in my purse, and it

lars will soon go," sa

you so kindly offer me, I wil

you,

t a bell ran

. Curtis' roo

ee what h

brief time with a

ere," she explained, "and when I told hi

ote, and, opening i

awaits you; while, as my wife, you will live a life of luxury and high social position. There are many young ladies who would be glad to accept the chance which you so recklessly reject. By accepting my hand you will gratify our excellent uncle, a

is Wa

is note, but her heart did not respon

is no answer, Jane, if

eedle you into marry

e to change

aid Jane, whose expressions were not alwa

ed retroussé. Even in her own circles she was not regarded as beautiful, and was ha

will not blame me for re

ce"-and here Jane lowered her voice-"I've a s

, Jane?" asked Fl

dressed. He came up when she was at the door, and he spoke harshlike, and told her to walk away with him. What they said

infamous for him to ask for my

ldn't mind doin'. Oh, he's a sly deceiver, Mr.

te the kind of reception Curtis Waring would get if

I don't like to think he would be so base as that. If you ever see this young woman again, try to fin

e, you will be needi

longer a young lady of fortune, but a pen

say if he knew that M

ll we do, it would not be honorable to

ed to leave home, and go into the streets. Why couldn't he take no for

xed his affections elsewhere,"

as old as you, Miss

t so much, if that wa

deal better marr

ny one, Jane. I don't th

. Lots of girls say so, but they change their

ng man you are in

t, Miss Florence. If I ever do get ma

can. But I hear the bell. I t

ask him i

ll be ready to acc

would allow. His hands and face were thoroughly clean; he had bought a new collar and necktie; his shoes were polished, and despite his shabby suit,

tis," whispered Jane. "Here, Mr. Dodger, take Miss Fl

iss Florence, if you don't mind walking over

home, knowing not what awaited her. What haven of refuge she mi