"I recognized the outline of your hat. Besides, who else could it be but you? I've saved some dinner for you. I thought you were still out."
Mildred did not answer.
"What's the matter?" said Agnes? "Ill? bad news?"
"I've lost my position," said Mildred.
A pause. Then Mrs. Belloc felt her way across the room until she was touching the girl. "Tell me about it, dear," said she.
In a monotonous, lifeless way Mildred told the story. It was some time after she finished when Agnes said:
"That's bad—bad, but it might be worse. You must go to see the manager, Crossley."
"Why?" said Mildred.
"Tell him what you told me."
Mildred's silence was dissent.