Page:The Poor Rich Man, and the Rich Poor Man.djvu/140

132 "How long have you known him?"

"The same time, Harry Aikin," she replied, without raising her eyes; for, with the companions of her innocent days, came the feeling of shame.

"Do you know what he is taken up for?"

"I don't; but I guess for passing counterfeit bills."

"Have you been, concerned with him? Answer truly, Paulina."

"Well—he has given me money to spend, and told me to ask no questions, and he would tell me no lies. I never knew a true note from a falser one."

"Did you not believe you were passing counterfeit money?"

"I did not know that I was, and that is the most I can say, Harry Aikin; but, as true as I live, I have pawned my ear-rings and my finger-rings rather than offer this money, and I did not use it till I had nothing more the pawnbrokers would take; that is the truth, Harry. I have not long to live, I am sure I have not. Take pity on me, Harry Aikin, and save me item finishing my wretched life in the state prison! Susan! Susan! beg him! Oh! think of old times in Essex!"

"Be sure, be sure, Paulina, Harry will do all he can for you."

"Yes, that I will; no time must be lost: stay with her, Susan, till I return."

"You ain't going to inform against me!" said the miserable woman, springing after him; but, before he could reply, she shrunk back, self-condemned, and burst into tears.

"It's so long," she said, "since I have had any