Flossie closed the door, and spoke to Iris, in a new and very decided tone.
"Miss Clyde," she said, with respect and politeness, "I'm truly sorry, but you are here and I am here, in order that I may take from you a pin, which you have somewhere in your clothing. I deeply regret the necessity, but it is imperative that I make sure of getting every pin that is on your person. Please do not make it harder for me—for both of us—than is necessary. For, I assure you, I shall do my duty."
"A pin?" said Iris, innocently, "here is one."
She took one from her belt, in which there chanced to be several, and thanked her lucky stars that she had hidden the real one. It might be found, for this girl was surely energetic, but Iris trusted much to her own dramatic ability now.
"Not one, but all," said Flossie, gravely. "I'm afraid you don't understand——"
"I'm sure I don't!" interrupted Iris. "What about a pin?"
"I won't waste words with you, if you please. I am here to take from you every pin you have in your clothing. You will please undress slowly, that I may get them all. Here is a paper of new ones to replace them. Will you please take off your shirtwaist, or shall I?"
Iris looked aghast. Then she concluded it would be best to submit.
"Will you lock the door?" she said, haughtily.
"It is locked. We are quite safe from intrusion or interruption. Please proceed."