At the Third street bank, they told me they did not
have any Eastern funds and looked very queerly at me, so I went to the
brokers' office and they finally changed it. A person has to be
cautious, as it is sometimes very difficult to succeed. People ask
questions at times that it is impossible for one to answer. You have
never had to do so much in this way as I have! have you?"

"No!" replied Mrs. Maroney, coloring deeply; "but I suppose I shall have
to learn! I will tell you a secret of mine some time. You may be of
great use to me, will you help me if you can?"

"Yes," said Madam Imbert, recalling her poor husband languishing in
confinement. "Your husband is like mine, both are in prison. I feel
strongly drawn toward you and will do all I can for you. Oh! why can't I
succeed in getting my darling free!"

They had reached the dry-goods store and went in to make their
purchases.

I was desirous of impressing upon Mrs. Maroney the difficulties in the
way of changing money, and my plan was successful beyond my
expectations. She saw the trouble Madam Imbert had at the bank and at
the brokers, and learned that bankers and brokers were liable to ask
very pointed questions when changing money. If she had any idea of
changing her stolen money she might be frightened out of it, and prefer
to rely for assistance on Madam Imbert, who seemed an experienced hand.

After they had made their purchases the ladies returned to Mitchell's
and were driven home by De Forest.

Madam Imbert spent the evening with Mrs. Maroney, but nothing of
interest transpired. A day or two after, as they were seated in the
garden, Mrs. Maroney took Madam Imbert partially into her confidence and
gave her a sketch of her life, which, it must be confessed, as narrated
by her, made her appear very pure and spotless. She said that Maroney
met her a heart-broken widow, and that she married him only to prevent
him from committing suicide, so desperately smitten was he; that they
came to Montgomery, where Maroney was appointed agent of the Adams
Express--a very lucrative position--and then continued:

"Maroney had a good deal of money of his own, but did not talk much
about it, in fact kept it a secret from every one but me. No one is
obliged to state what he is worth. He was a very kind-hearted man and
fairly idolized my little Flora. He was making arrangements to buy a
plantation and a lot of slaves; had made money buying and selling
horses, and owned a