“What does what mean?”
“This—er—masquerade?” he said, pointing to her cap and apron.
“I’ll have you know, sir, this is no masquerade,” cried the girl, laughing. “This cap and apron are the badges of independence.”
“Independence!”
“Yes, sir. I have taken Cynthia Fogg’s place. She did not suit. I am going to earn real money by doing parlor-maid’s work—if I can satisfy Madam Hammersly.”
“But, Beth!” Larry repeated. “What—what will people say?”
“What people?”
“The—the young ladies here at school?”
“Why, they don’t care who keeps the furniture polished,” and Beth laughed again, but she shot her friend a penetrating glance.
“How about Miss Hammersly—the principal? I should think she would not allow such a thing. Why, Beth! it is dreadful!”