and the detective had examined the candy carefully they
held a consultation as to what should be done about it.

"We must have it analyzed at once," said Mr. Denton, anxiously. "That is
the only way of proving the matter."

The detective nodded. He knew that came first, but it needed no analysis
to convince him that the candy was poisoned.

"Has she ever received a similar box that you know of?" asked Mr.
Denton.

The detective hesitated for a moment. He hardly knew how to tell him.

"I believe she has, sir," he said, after a minute; "but I would advise
you to ask the young woman herself, for I can only repeat what may be
idle gossip."

"You are right," said Mr. Denton, touching an electric button and
sending the boy who answered to the department for Miss Marvin.

In less than five minutes Faith entered the office, but before he came
the detective slipped a newspaper over the box of poisoned candy, and a
nod of the head showed that Mr. Denton understood and approved of the
movement.

"Miss Marvin," said Mr. Denton, "I wish you to answer a question: Are
you in the habit of receiving boxes of candy as presents?"

With Mr. Gunning's remarks still burning in her brain, Faith could not
help blushing at this unexpected question.

She finally controlled herself and answered firmly:

"I have never received but two boxes since I entered your employ,
sir--one a few days ago and the other this morning."

"What did you do with the candy?" asked her employer again.

"I gave the first box to a cash girl who works in my department, and the
other I gave to Sam. I didn't even open them."

"Why did you not open them?" asked the detective, sharply.

Faith glanced at Mr. Denton a moment before replying.

"Yes, why did you not open them? Are you not fond of candy, Miss
Marvin?"

"I like it, yes, sir," was Faith's slow answer; "but the gift was
unexpected. In fact, sir, I did not want it, and so I gave away the
candy because I objected to the giver."

Faith's color had risen as she said these words, and she seemed to brace
herself mentally for what was coming.

Should she answer the next question, which she felt sure would follow?
It was a moment that taxed all the decision in her nature.

Mr. Denton looked at her smilingly as he prepared for the question.
There was not an inkling in his brain of the true situation.

"Do you object, Miss Marvin, to telling us who sent it? Really, the
question is important, or I wou