"
CHAPTER XXXV.
The Story is Told
Elsie Banks had a small and select audience in Mrs. Bonner's room
upstairs. She had come from New York--or from California, strictly
speaking--to furnish the narrative which was to set Rosalie Gray's mind
at rest forever-more. It was not a pleasant task; it was not an easy
sacrifice for this spirited girl who had known luxury all her life. Her
spellbound hearers were Mrs. Bonner and Edith, Wicker Bonner, Anderson
Crow, Rosalie, and John E. Barnes, who, far from being a captive of the
law, was now Miss Gray's attorney, retained some hours before by his
former captor.
"I discharge you, sir," Anderson had said, after hearing Miss Bank's
statement in the roadway. "You are no longer a prisoner. Have you
anything to say, sir?"
"Nothing, Mr. Crow, except to offer my legal services to you and your
ward in this extraordinary matter. Put the matter in my hands, sir, and
she shall soon come into her own, thanks to this young lady. I may add
that, as I am not in the habit of soliciting clients, it is not my
intention in this instance to exact a fee from your ward. My services
are quite free, given in return, Mr. Crow, for the magnanimous way in
which you have taken me into your confidence ever since I have known
you. It is an honour to have been arrested by you; truthfully it is no
disgrace.
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