And so, the last obstacle being removed, these two efficient women went upstairs to the library and, sitting side by side, with the black notebook between them, worked the whole thing out, as in their college days they had so often worked up an examination. All the facts that Wood had spread out for Augusta, Augusta now spread out for Pearl—the salary, the bonus, the characters of those involved, the results which Mr. Wood especially wished to see accomplished: That Antonia should be made clean and neat and dressed like a normal little girl; that Durland should be taught algebra thoroughly and made to stop smoking, though that would be difficult; that Mrs. Conway should not be worried by her former husband, and certainly prevented from lending him money.
"And there is his address in Mexico, and you're to write every day. That's the most important thing of all—to write every day."
Pearl took the notebook and put it into her pocketbook.
"And how often does he write to me?" she inquired.
Augusta smiled.
"He never does—he never answers. I suppose it's the first time in your life, Pearl, you ever wrote to a man who did not answer your letters."
"I rather like the idea," said Pearl.
They were interrupted by a telegram being brought in and given to Augusta. She opened it.
"It's from Mr. Wood," she said; and added with surprise, "It seems to be about you."