“‘Nothing to be gained by that,’ said I.
“‘Yes there is, she is as mean as the old scratch, not a girl likes her, and if she doesn’t make you trouble, I’ll lose my guess.’
“‘How can she make me trouble?’
“‘Easy enough. If she wants you put out of the company, out you go. You see, she is a pet of the Prof’s, and if he kicks on your work, Althy, your time is up.’
“‘But she won’t do that, will she?’
“‘Sure she will; she has put lots of girls out of business in this house.’
“Next night as I left the stage door a hand was laid on my arm, and, looking up, I saw Leon. I was glad, yet sorry to see him.
“‘Althea,’ said he, ‘I bring you bad news.’
“‘What can it be?’ I asked.
“‘Your mother is very ill.’