Page:The Rejuvenation Of Miss Semaphore.pdf/237

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her unparalleled experiences. As for you, madam," he continued, addressing Prudence, who was still weeping hysterically, "I must express my regret for having doubted what I now perceive to have been a truthful and unvarnished narrative. My excuse must be that your sister's experience has been so exceptional, that neither I nor anyone who heard it could be expected to believe it without positive confirmation. This has been unexpectedly supplied, and I think I may say you leave this court without the smallest suspicion on your bonâ fides."

There was a round of applause from the gallery, instantly suppressed, and Prudence, weeping, blushing, smiling, and bridling, all at the same time, walked out of court with the shivering Augusta.

By this time the latter had assumed the appearance of a girl about eight, with bare feet, and toes to which still adhered the rent fragments of a baby's knitted woollen bootees. The news had spread, and a dense crowd had collected at the door of the police court to see them pass. Prudence drew back terrified at the sight, and a friendly policeman, seeing her agitation, summoned a cab to a side door, and placed the sisters in it. As