“No change? Well then keep it!” he exclaimed with a note of irritation in his voice.
Saturday was a short day for the employees of Burnett & Burnett’s and Josie determined to use the afternoon in looking up some more residences of her fellow workers. The day was pleasant, with a hint of premature spring in the air; an excellent day for checking up on some of the suburban addresses.
“I wonder if Major Simpson will follow me. Anyhow, I have chosen a balmy afternoon for his jaunt if he decides to take it,” she laughed. “I have a great mind to give him the slip.”
By the simple expedient of going up one elevator and down another Josie eluded the old detective, who was evidently on the lookout for her. She then quickly made her way to the rear exit and was out on the street before the old gentleman realized that the young person in whom he was taking such an unaccountable interest had flown the coop.
“Ding bust it!” he remarked eloquently, “I’ll come up with her yet.”
Miss Fauntleroy was immediately in front of Josie, moving with her accustomed slow grace. The girl was well proportioned and Josie had not realized before how very tall she was. Being of rather a diminutive statute herself, she seemed almost a dwarf by the side of the stately young woman.
“Pa-a-perr, pa-a-perr,” quavered the old woman in an irritating whine.
Miss Fauntleroy stopped and holding out a dime asked for a newspaper. Her voice was singularly hard and cold but the old beggar seemed rather amused as she answered:
“Yes, my prr-r-ty! Here’s your Jou-r-rnal.”
“Give me my change,” demanded the girl haughtily.