“What bank is it?” he asked.
“I don’t remember,” said I; “but you’ll see by the check.”
And then I couldn’t find the check. It was nearly eleven already, and there wasn’t a minute to waste. I turned over every paper on my desk; I made every one else do the same. Check and letter were absolutely gone.
Nothing like this had ever happened before during my régime. I couldn’t believe it. Now that it’s well in the past, I will admit that perhaps I didn’t take it very tranquilly; but, after all, it was not soothing, when I knew some one must be to blame, to have people make idiotic suggestions about my looking in my pocket. Was I in the habit of putting the mail into my pocket?
“The thing’s going to be found,” said I, “and found now. Empty the wastebaskets, and see if it’s been thrown away by mistake.”
The office boy appeared to enjoy doing this, but the rest of them failed in loyalty. No one looked worried or distressed.
“It’s sure to turn up,” said one.
Another almost suggested that such a letter had never existed.
Attracted by the excitement, Miss Kelly appeared, followed by others who had no business to come. How cool and reasonable they all were!
“Mercy!” observed Miss Kelly. “What a quantity of paper thrown away!”