"I s'pose I can't never say anything right," sniffed the injured one upon her employer's entrance.
"Never mind us, Charlotte," responded Miss Upton. "That's a very big thing that's just happened. I'm so tickled I'd dance if I thought the house would stand it."
"I don't see anything so wonderful in that stuck-up woman givin' the girl a job o' sewin'," returned Mrs. Whipp, blowing her nose. "When will Gerrie come back? How we'll miss her!"
"I think," said Miss Upton, impressively—"I think it is very safe to say—Never!"
"Why, what do you mean!"
"I mean Mrs. Barry ain't goin' to let that girl stand behind my counter this summer." Miss Mehitable gave a sudden, sly laugh. "I wasn't goin' to let her anyway," she added, in a low tone as if the walls might have ears, "but Mrs. Barry don't know that, and I'm glad she don't."
Miss Upton sat down and laughed and rocked, and rocked and laughed until Mrs. Whipp began to worry.
"Thumbscrews," said Miss Mehitable, between each burst, "thumbscrews!"
"Where shall I git 'em?" asked Charlotte, rising and staring about her vaguely.
"Nevermind. Let's have some tea," said Miss Mehitable, wiping her eyes.