“Miss Allyn warned you,” she said, almost to herself. “She is a wise woman, Dollie. If you cannot trust me, why not trust Miss Allyn? I would never have left you with her if I had not supposed you would listen to her.” “Miss Allyn is too suspicious; she is like you,” said Dollie, spitefully. “She always sees something wrong in a gentleman’s attentions.” “Listen, Dollie,” said Marion, almost facing her in the street. “Alma Allyn is a great deal wiser than either you or I. She has lived in a city always, and met hundreds of men; we know she is our friend—then why can we not trust her? You know that she warned you about that very thing—about lunches and theatres with your employer, Dollie!” “Yes, and I know that she goes to lunches and theatres with gentlemen whenever she pleases,” answered Dollie, triumphantly; “and I fail to see why I can’t go, Marion.” There was another sigh from the anxious sister. Would Dollie never understand that she was only a ewe lamb, while Alma Allyn was a woman of wisdom and experience? As they started across the street both girls were thinking deeply, so deeply that for once they did not use their customary caution. There were trucks and street cars and carriages in profusion, but in a second the girls were in the very middle of the crossing. “Look out!” yelled some one, almost in Marion’s ear, and the next instant it seemed as if a dozen voices echoed it. Marion was just ahead of Dollie, and as she looked up quickly she saw a heavy express wagon with two powerful horses bearing straight down upon her. There was a street car just ahead, so she darted back, but the next second she saw that she had not bettered her position. An automobile carriage was coming from the opposite direction—it would not be possible for both girls to pass it. Dollie gave a shriek and stopped abruptly, but in that second her sister had recovered full possession of her senses. One hasty glance at the horseless vehicle showed her that the occupant was George Colebrook. He was alone now, and his expression was one of diabolical hatred. With one fearful effort, she grasped Dollie by the shoulders, and, running a couple of steps, gave her a push with all the force at her command, which sent her head first into the arms of a big policeman. Then Marion turned to follow, but she was a second too late. The fellow on the automobile seemed merciless in his intentions. As the clumsy carriage came bounding onward, there was no escape. With a stifled groan Marion went down before it. CHAPTER V. THE SECRET PROMISE. When Marion Marlowe returned to consciousness she was lying on a cot in the ward of a hospital. She was considerably dazed as yet, and looked around inquiringly. “Dear me, what am I doing here?” she said, dreamily. “Why am I lying here, when I ought to be on duty?”