eart with poignant grief.

She could not help but notice how handsome he was growing day by day.

Oh, what would she not have given for just one of the kindly words he
used to speak to her, a tender look, a caress!

CHAPTER XXXV.

Not one thought did Dorothy give to Harry Kendal during these days. It
is strange what a power some young girls possess in throwing off all
tender thoughts from their hearts when the object of them has proven
himself unworthy.

All love for Harry Kendal had gone out of her heart when she saw him
choose Iris' society instead of her own, and she at the time his
betrothed bride.

Dorothy's only hope was that Kendal would not penetrate her disguise,
and never know what had become of her.

She did not know but what he was now betrothed to Iris, and _she did not
care_. She was glad to be rid of him at any cost. She only wished that
Nadine Holt--who was still so insanely in love with her false
lover--knew how treacherous he was. She wished she dare tell her about
Iris.

In her hours of loneliness little Pearl was a great comfort to Dorothy.
She almost lost sight of her troubles at times in taking care of the
child, who was quite as desolate in the world as herself.

She never forgot one morning that broke sunny enough for her, but ended
in desolation more bitter to endure than death.

Mrs. Garner and herself were seated at the breakfast table, when Jack
entered and took his seat opposite Dorothy. He bent his fair, handsome
head, and kissed his mother as he passed her, and bowed courteously to
"Mrs. Brown."

Both noticed that his fair, handsome face was very pale, and his right
hand looked bruised. Mrs. Garner spoke of it at once.

"What is the matter--what has happened, Jack, my boy?" she asked,
earnestly. "What does your agitation mean? You must tell me at once.
Your--your appearance alarms me more than I can tell you."

He tried to laugh the matter off, but his mother would not be persuaded
to change the subject.

"Well, then, if you _must_ know, I will tell you when--we--are--alone,"
he said, a little unsteadily.

"You need not mind Mrs. Brown," she answered, quickly. "I do not
hesitate speaking before her on any topic."

Dorothy rose hurriedly to her feet.

"I--I have finished my breakfast," she said, in the low tone she had
assumed, and which so charmed every one; "and if you will excuse me, I
shall be grateful."

Jack bowed courteously; but Mrs. Garner held out a