“I can never teach you the importance of trifles, Cynthia,” the madam said in Beth’s hearing on one occasion. “How many months have you been with me?”
“Almost nine now, Madam,” said Cynthia, briskly. “We ought to know each other pretty well, don’t you think so?”
“Girl! it is only necessary that you should know your work. My character has nothing to do with the matter,” said the madam, stiffly.
“Goodness!” drawled Cynthia. “Don’t you see that it has? If you were not so particular——”
“Cynthia! how dare you?”
“Madam?” replied the freckled girl, raising her eyebrows and turning the full battery of her saucy blue eyes on Madam Hammersly.
“If you were not a homeless and friendless orphan——”
“Who has saved almost a hundred dollars out of her wages these past eight months, Madam, so don’t let that bother you,” interposed the girl, flippantly.
“You are discharged!” exclaimed Madam Hammersly, finding the girl’s impudence past bearing.
“You dear!” retorted Cynthia, in her very pleasantest tone of voice.