Mr. Hard's eyes grew more pebbly as he listened. He ventured in a constrained voice as consolation:
"That he never had much faith in stocks—No, he had no employment for ladies in connection with his store. He simply bought and sold at a small advance. Miss Klip, the dressmaker, might have something."
To Miss Klip Edith went. Miss Klip, although an unprotected female, appeared to be a maiden that could take care of herself. One would scarcely venture to hinder her. Her cutting scissors seemed instinct with life, and one would get out of their way as naturally as from a railroad train. She gave Edith a sharp look through her spectacles and said abruptly in answer to her application:
"I thought you was rich."
"We were," said Edith sadly, "but we must work now and are willing to."
"What do you know about dressmaking and sewing?"
"Well, not a great deal, but I think you would find us very ready to learn."
"Oh, bless you, I can get all my work done by thorough hands, and at my own prices, too. Good-morning."
"But can you not tell me of some one who would be apt to have work?"
"There's Mrs. Glibe across the street. She has work sometimes. Most of the dressmakers around here are well trained, have machines, and go out by the day."