expression of popular approval and affection? Was she not the heroine of

the hour?

It was with a feeling of triumph that Laura reached her hotel, a scornful

feeling of victory over society with its own weapons.

Mrs. Hawkins shared not at all in this feeling; she was broken with the

disgrace and the long anxiety.

Thank God, Laura," she said, "it is over. Now we will go away from this

hateful city. Let us go home at once."

"Mother," replied Laura, speaking with some tenderness, "I cannot go with

you. There, don't cry, I cannot go back to that life."

Mrs. Hawkins was sobbing. This was more cruel than anything else, for

she had a dim notion of what it would be to leave Laura to herself.

"No, mother, you have been everything to me. You know how dearly I love

you. But I cannot go back."

A boy brought in a telegraphic despatch. Laura took it and read:

The bill is lost. Dilworthy ruined. (Signed) WASHINGTON."

For a moment the words swam before her eyes. The next her eyes flashed

The Gilded Age