“That's just what you have, Dina—a special genius for housework. I wish there were more of you!”
“There are plenty of me, mother dear, only they haven't come out. As soon as I show 'em how to make the thing pay, you'll find that we have a big percentage of this kind of ability. It's all buried now in the occasional 'perfect housekeeper.'
“But they won't leave their husbands, Dina.”
“They don't need to,” the girl answered cheerfully. “Some of them aren't married yet; some of them have lost their husbands, and some of them”—she said this a little bitterly—“have husbands who will be willing to let their wives grow.”
“Not many, I'm afraid,” said Mrs. Bell, also with some gloom.
Diantha lightened up again. “Anyhow, here you are, mother dear! And for this year I propose that you assume the financial management of the whole business at a salary of $1,000 'and found.' How does that suit you?”
Mrs. Bell looked at her unbelievingly.
“You can't afford it, Dina!”
“Oh, yes, I can—you know I can, because you've got the accounts. I'm going to make big money this year.”
“But you'll need it. This hotel and restaurant business may not do well.”