CHAPTER XII
DORIS’S DINNER PARTY
A WEEK passed by, and no discoveries were made, no clues found that might lead to the explanation of Anna’s strange disappearance. The policemen, who had slept at the tea-house regularly every night, were resigning their posts in disgust. Even Marjorie began to wonder whether the mystery would ever be solved.
Aside from the shock to Anna’s nerves, there had been no evil effects from the unusual episode. The wide publicity given by the newspapers had produced the same results as an expensive advertising campaign; indeed, the girls were now making money so fast that Marjorie found herself in a position to pay back a hundred dollars of the loan to Mr. Andrews. Her one serious problem was help in the kitchen.
After a great deal of persuasion, Anna had been induced to resume her office as cook, providing, however, that she be excused from night duty, that she never be obliged to remain at the house alone, and that the cellar be kept permanently locked. Marjorie had been only too glad to comply with these requests, and rejoiced greatly in having her again. But, even with her return, they were handicapped; they needed more waitresses.
The boys, true to their word, came to the tea-house every evening as soon as they had finished supper, and took their posts in the kitchen, acting in whatever capacity they were needed, and remaining, after the girls went home, to put the place to rights, and to lock up for the night. Without their assistance Marjorie felt that the work could not have gone on; for everyone of the five remaining scouts had to serve both afternoon and evening, since Florence and Marie Louise had gone on their vacations.
“We’ve simply got to get a couple of maids,” remarked Marjorie, one evening when she lay on the bed in her own room, particularly exhausted from a strenuous day’s work. “We can’t keep this up much longer.”
“No, it’s a terrible strain never to have a single afternoon off,” agreed Lily. “And that reminds me—what shall we do about that dinner invitation from Doris?”
“When is it?” asked her companion.
“Next Wednesday. And she wants you and me and Ethel all to go.”
“Of course that’s out of the question!” sighed Marjorie. “Unless we could engage two waitresses.”