"I don't think everything is done here," said Geraldine; "I don't think you can spare me."
"Of course I can," returned Miss Mehitable vehemently. "You can go just as well as not." She perceived that this was not at all the answer the girl wanted, but she was determined to override all objections and even Geraldine's own feelings.
The latter looked at Mrs. Barry with a faint smile. She only hoped that Miss Upton's mental processes were not such an open book to the visitor as they were to herself. She saw plainly that if it came to the necessity Miss Mehitable would throw her into the motor with her own hands.
"She is not very complimentary, is she?" she remarked. "I thought I was so important."
"She hain't seen the Port yet either. Have you, Gerrie?" came from the back of the store.
Miss Mehitable turned on the speaker. "As if there was any hurry about that!" she said, so fiercely that Charlotte evaporated through the back door of the shop into the regions beyond.
"I'm sure you were important," said Mrs. Barry, "but it is I who need you now."
"I'll help you get your things," said Miss Upton, moving to the stairs with alacrity.
Geraldine dropped Pearl. She could not defend her any longer.
"Wait, Miss Upton," said Mrs. Barry. "How would it be for you to pack Miss Melody's trunk and express it after we are gone?"