The next morning both girls were up early—Elfie to go to the market in search of any odd job she could get; and Susie to the grocer's, to know when she should begin her work there, for she made sure she should go.
She had not given a thought to the possibility of the man seeing her with Elfie and the policeman, and thinking them both alike dishonest. She had not seen him, and had forgotten all about going there in the excitement caused by Elfie's arrest; and so she started off without the least fear in her mind, but that she should be taken on trial at least.
When she reached the shop, the man said, "What do you want?" And did not seem to recognize her at first.
But when he lifted his head and saw who it was, he added, "You've come to see what you can pick up, I suppose."
"No, sir," answered Susie meekly; "the lady said I was to come to-day about the place."
"And do you think we'd have you?" asked the grocer in astonishment. "Well, you must have a good stock of impudence, girl, to ask such a thing, and I saw you only yesterday as I did."
"Please, sir, I hadn't been stealing," said Susie with the tears in her eyes.
"And the other girl had not either, I suppose you'll tell me," said the grocer.
"Yes, sir, Elfie had," admitted Susie with a heightened colour; "but she's very sorry now, and won't do it again."
"She won't have the chance, I suppose, for some time," said the man; "they'll keep her in prison, I hope."