"Quit!" Hilda echoed in a whisper. "Quit!"
Anne nodded. "But I'll get another place in a day or two, don't worry, dear."
"Quit!" Hilda echoed more faintly, and emerged into the reality of the situation. "What for? I thought you liked the place. Did Mr. Lowell—did he—anything——?"
Anne stamped her foot. "No. Of course he didn't. I did like it as far the general atmosphere of the office went, although I've had doubts of him lately. But to-day he came out into the open. He's a—crook."
"Good gracious! What did he want you to do?"
"Nothing special. But I can't work in a place where I know things are being done that he's doing. I just can't."
Hilda went back to the gravy. She did not want Anne to work in a dishonest office, but she did wish Anne had not discovered the delinquency of John Lowell for a few days.
"No, dear, of course you can't. But—suppose you don't tell papa to-night. It's gloomy enough as it is."
"Why on earth he should create all the gloom is beyond me. Why shouldn't he be annoyed? It might do him good."
"Please, dear."