all
not attempt to refute these assertions, knowing that right will
ultimately triumph. I understand _your_ tactics thoroughly, Caroline
Bailey, and I am not even surprised that you are ashamed to own your
wretched parent, who has put you in possession of these few facts mixed
with so much falsehood."

"How did you learn my real name?" asked the woman in amazement.

"Through an old friend whom I persuaded to trace out your whole career,"
was the reply. "I could have forgiven _my_ wrongs at your hands, but
when you saw fit to attack that inoffensive girl, I determined to unmask
you."

"And much good may it do you," was the cool rejoinder. "I am tired of
this monotonous existence, and had already decided soon to leave this
humdrum village. As for proving your assertions, you need not be at the
trouble. I do not deny a word you have uttered. It's all true, and
more."

"I had a few twinges of conscience," she added sneeringly, "and thought
I'd change my mode of life; but it was never in me to behave like a
saint. People follow the bent of their inclinations most generally. I've
heard many good, but mistaken persons pity women who had gone wrong, and
try faithfully to reclaim them, but it's all lost labor. Most of them
take the downward road because it's the easiest, and comes natural, and
after a time it's impossible to reform them, with a precious few
exceptions. I've found out, though, since my short and sweet experience
in this community, that I ain't the worst creature in the world. Say
what you will, I am just as good at this moment as the rest of the women
here. This girl that they have persecuted is about the only decent body
among them. That's why they hate her, for being a continual reproof to
them."

"Oh, you need not nod, and wink, and draw away from me as though I was
contagion," she said vindictively, "I know you all. I happen to be in
the confidence of a certain gentleman that some of you know too
intimately for your own good. You, for instance, Mrs. Brier, (glancing
meaningly at the little woman,) and you, Mrs. Charles Burton, and you,
and you, (pointing in rapid succession to several demure looking ladies
who had eyed her with glances of apprehension.) It's about time for Mrs.
Euphrasia Anastasia Strain to begin to keep an eye on her husband's
movements, if she happens to be the least bit of a jealous nature."

These concluding remarks produced a decided sensation. Every lady rose
simultaneously to t