Josie’s taxi carried her quickly to the home of Mr. Theodore Burnett. Fortunately she found him in. The old colored butler who answered the bell seemed greatly astonished that a young lady should be calling on the master of the house and not on his mother and sisters.
“You mean Ol’ Miss, don’t you lady, I mean Mrs. Burnett and Miss Lily an’ Miss May? They’s all to home an’ I wouldn’t be ’stonished if they ain’t ’spectin’ of you ’case they done tol’ me tea in the settin’ room at five sharp.”
“No, Uncle,” laughed Josie, “this is a business call and I must see Mr. Burnett immediately. Please give him my card.”
“All right, lady, but—well all right! I reckon I mought jes’ as well take you right off in ter the liberry if you air so ’termined lak ter see the boss. He ain’t so partial ter doin’ business of a Sat’day. Don’t you reckon you mought prospone it ’til Monday?”
“No, I must see him now. If you take him my card I am sure he will see me.”
“Yassum, but I hate ter pester him so. He’s worrited enough what with sneak thieves a liftin’ goods off’n the sto’ right under the nose of these here detecertives he done pay out so much money to. I hearn him a tellin’ Ol’ Miss sumpen ’bout it at lunch time.”
“Where is the library?” asked Josie, determination in her voice.
“Well, lady, it air right back yonder—”
“What is the matter, Uncle Abe?” The question was asked by a pleasant looking young woman whose likeness to Mr. Theodore Burnett gave Josie the assurance that she was his sister. She had overheard sounds of an altercation from the upper hall and leaning over the bannisters spied Josie.
“I must see Mr. Burnett immediately,” said the girl. “It is important and I beg of you to inform him that I am here. I am Miss O’Gorman from the store.”