Part 29 (1/2)
”I'm glad to tell you my head is much better, so that I shall be able to report for duty. I'll be all right so long as I trust in G.o.d and have people like you and Auntie pray for me.”
I wanted to report this case to the proprietors of that store; but Laura was so distressed for fear of notoriety, ultimate results, also the deprivation of a living for that libertine's delicate wife and children, that I reluctantly desisted. This I know: In answer to many prayers, both her friends' and her own, she won out; but she never gave up that key, and to this day she does not know what door it unlocked or whether some other poor, silly girl received and made use of its duplicate.
In visiting among the outcasts, I have learned from the lips of many that the primary cause of their downfall was the inadequacy of their wages as saleswomen, stenographers, etc., for their direct necessities; temptations became too great; the ultimate results were, alas!
inevitable.
CHAPTER x.x.xVII.
THE HOME REPAIRED--MRS. S---'S EXPERIENCE.
Thinking to appeal for the required means to repair our home, I, after prayerful consideration, journeyed to Portland, Oregon, for our State was now taxed to its utmost for finances. My sojourn was brief; for, besides being seized with sudden illness, I learned that a large sum of money (thirty-five thousand dollars, I think) intended for the erection of a Florence Crittenton home in their midst had now been generously donated and sent to the general fund in San Francisco, to be applied to just such charitable needs as I represented. In consequence, I decided that, as soon as I was able to travel, I should go back to San Francisco. Through the interposition of the Y.W.C.A., I was furnished with free transportation. Upon my return I learned that all available funds for that purpose had already been bespoken; but G.o.d, ever mindful of his own, had laid it upon the hearts of some people of means, in the interior, to pay all expenses for repairs, so that before many months Beth-Adriel was once more in good order. In its interest, many, many miles were traveled and thousands of people addressed, personally, also collectively.
Rarely did any service close but that one person or more had an unusual case of some unfortunate one, demanding immediate and special interest; for instance: Mrs. B-----, who personally knew me, approached me one day in a greatly agitated state of mind and confidentially imparted some dreadful knowledge concerning her son, aged fourteen, and a girl schoolmate of his, but a few months younger. Producing some notes, she permitted their perusal. They were from the girl to the boy, and were couched in the most licentious, unguarded language imaginable. I was unutterably shocked. ”Mother Roberts,” said Mrs. B-----, ”I will deal with my son, but what about the girl who has written these and, as you read, has met H----- clandestinely? I can not go to her; will you?” The girl's mother was a lady of means and fas.h.i.+on, a member of one of the exclusive card-clubs of that town, and an inveterate player. Pearl was an only child. I admit I felt timid about approaching the mother, but--It had to be done and done quickly.
In glancing over the local paper, I had observed that her progressive whist-club was to be entertained at Mrs. -----'s lovely residence that afternoon. It was now 11 A.M. I must telephone, for I knew that I should not be received except by previous appointment. Soon I heard her voice:
”What is it, please; what do you wish?”
”A private interview immediately, of the utmost importance.”
”Impossible. Every moment is engaged until I go out this afternoon.”
”Can not help it. You _must_ grant it. It concerns a member of your immediate family. It is of _vital import_.”
”Very well; you may come right away, but be brief. I will grant you only a few minutes.”
”Thank you,” and both receivers were hung up.
In response to my ring the maid ushered me into a lovely reception-room, where Mrs. S----- soon appeared in a high state of nervous excitement.
”You have greatly upset me, Mrs. Roberts,” she said. ”Kindly be brief.
To your point at once. I have much to do, also must dress before luncheon, for our card-party at Mrs. -----'s this afternoon.”
”Mrs. S-----, you no doubt will be able to identify Pearl's handwriting.” I replied.
”Most a.s.suredly,” she rejoined. ”What of it?”
”Simply this: In my possession are three notes. They were written by your daughter to a boy companion in school. The boy's mother lent them to me. It is my painful duty to show them to you. First of all, permit me to a.s.sure you that this matter is perfectly safe with me,” I said.
”Come into the next room where we can be undisturbed and un.o.bserved,”
she requested. Then she rang the bell and said to the maid:
”I shall not be at home to any one who either 'phones or calls.”
(Here let me say that having once been a.s.sociated with Mrs. S---- socially, I was not a stranger.)
”Mrs. S----, doesn't Pearl sometimes ask permission to go home with a favorite girl companion, also at times remain with her over night, or else she with your daughter?” I asked after we had retired to the other room.
”Certainly,” she answered, ”and I may add, I am quite satisfied to have her do so, _for they can both be implicitly trusted_.”