Part 37 (1/2)
Cora went into the room softly. The girl--Nancy Ford--to give her the name on her valise, which had not been opened, was propped up amid the pillows.
She had some color in her cheeks now, and there was eager excitement in her eyes.
”How are you--Nancy Ford?” greeted Cora, pleasantly.
”I am not Nancy Ford--how--how--why do you call me that name?”
”It is on your valise.”
The girl started.
”My valise! Oh, yes! Was that saved? Oh, dear, I am so miserable! Yes, I am Nancy Ford. I don't know why I said I was not. But I have been in such trouble--I haven't a friend in the world, and--and----”
She burst into tears.
Instantly Cora was beside her, putting her arms around the frail figure in the bed.
”I am your friend,” said Cora, softly. ”You may trust me--trust all of us.
We are so glad we found you. Mrs. Raymond will be glad, also.”
”Mrs. Raymond!”
It was a startled cry.
”Yes.”
”Why--why, isn't she still in the office? When--when I ran away she was there, and, oh! I didn't dare go back. I--I was so afraid of those men.
One of them----”
”Wait, my dear,” said Cora, gently. ”Perhaps it will be too much for you to talk now.”
”No, that is why I sent for you. I wanted to tell you all. At first I decided that I would say nothing, but you have been so kind that I decided I must. Oh, that dreadful wreck! I shall never forget it. Poor Mrs.
Raymond! And she is gone?”
”Yes, and we do not know where. Suppose I tell you how I came to meet her, and what happened?”
”Then I can tell you my story,” answered Nancy. ”Please do.”
”First drink this,” and Cora gave some of the medicine that had been left by the doctor.
As briefly as she could Cora related the incident of the fire, and story told by Mrs. Raymond.
”That is just how it happened,” said Nancy, with a sigh. ”Oh, I little thought when I ran out of the office that I would cause such suffering to an innocent woman.”
”Then she is innocent?” asked Cora, eagerly.
”Of course she is!”
”Oh, I am so glad! I thought she was all the while. Now, dear, if it won't tire you too much, please tell me as much as you wish to. Then I will let the other girls know.”
”Well, I am Nancy Ford. I am sorry I denied it, but----”