"Have you any witness?" asked the attorney of Mrs. Salvey, while the judge frowned at Rob and warned him to be careful or he might be fined for contempt of court. The mother turned to Cecilia. "This young girl can corroborate my statement," she answered. As Cecilia stood up the reporters actually left their places and very quietly glided up to seats near the trembling girl. "Would they make a scandal of it?" she was thinking. "That lawyer's remark about Jack Kimball?" "Your name?" asked the judge. She replied in a steady voice. "And your occupation?" Cecilia hesitated. She was not yet ready to make public the ambition she had so earnestly worked for. "A student," she replied finally. "Of what?" asked Rob Roland. "Young man," said the judge sternly, "I am hearing this case, and any further discourtesy from you will be considered as contempt." The youth smiled ironically. He was already accustomed to such usage, and did not mind it in the least if only he could gain his point, but this time he had failed. "You know the child--Wren Salvey?" asked the judge. "Yes. I have been in close attendance upon her for some weeks," replied Cecilia. "And you can state that she is improved in health since leaving her mother's house?" "Very much improved. If she had not lost a very dear treasure, over which she grieves, I believe she would be almost well soon." Cecilia looked very young and very pretty. She spoke with the conviction of candor that counts so much to honest minds, and judge Cowles encouraged her with a most pleasant manner. The newspaper men were scribbling notes rapidly. Rob Roland was looking steadily at the chandelier at the risk of injury to his neck--so awkward was his position. "You are the young lady who removed the child?" questioned the magistrate. "Yes," replied Cecilia. "And her accomplice?" shouted Rob Roland questioningly. "Leave the room!" ordered the judge. "I think there is a different case behind this than the one we are hearing. I shall inquire into it, and, for the good of the child and her wronged mother, I shall order a thorough investigation. What motive have those who brought up this alleged case? There is absolutely no grounds for this action. The case is dismissed." So suddenly did the relief come to Cecilia that she almost collapsed. She looked at Mrs. Salvey, who was pressing her handkerchief to her eyes. "It is all right," whispered Cecilia. "Oh, I am so glad!" A stir in the room attracted their attention. Cecilia turned and faced Jack Kimball. Jack was hurrying up to the judge's chair, and scarcely stopped to greet Cecilia. "Mr. Robinson wishes you to detain these gentlemen a few minutes," said Jack to judge Cowles. "He is on his way here." A messenger was sent to the corridor after Rob Roland. The other lawyers were discussing some papers, and in no hurry to leave.