Josie, vivacious enough in other matters, had little to say concerning her latest exploit, having learned from her father that modesty and justifiable pride are becoming handmaidens.
“Now, Miss O’Gorman,” said Mr. Theodore when the dinner was over, “let us come back to a matter of business. You know how we appreciate your efforts and how valuable your services have been to our firm. However, it is hardly to be hoped that this will definitely stop all shoplifting. When the story has cooled, the whole wretched business will flare up again. Through diplomacy we have succeeded in influencing Major Simpson to retire on full pay. No doubt he deserves it, for as my brother Charles points out, loyalty deserves reward, and the Major was certainly loyal. Now we are in need of a house detective and we are willing to substantially increase the pay where results are as certain as mere loyalty. A-hem, the—the place is yours, Miss O’Gorman, if you will take it.”
Before the astonished Josie could form a reply the aged mother broke in:
“I hope you will accept, and I want you to come here to live. This is a big house, plenty of room, and you will add a great deal of life to our colorless world. I have reared four children who have been successful in a matter-of-fact way. I feel that I would like to mother you—you with your startling ingenuity. Won’t you come?”
“You simply must!” chorused Lily and May. “Please do. Just think of the things we could think up to do,” and they clapped their hands in anticipation.
Josie was troubled. She appreciated the kindness; sensed its deep sincerity. But she knew her own spirit—knew that dull routine could not long hold her interest.
“I am sorry,” she began simply, “but I must get back to Dorfield and my work. The Higgledy Piggledy Shop needs me, and somehow I seem to need it. Then, too, Captain Lonsdale writes me that there is work to do right away—a peculiar case that he thinks I can handle. I—I simply can’t tell you how I feel, but surely you will understand.”
“I do,” nodded the mother. “You are too big a girl for a little place. We will miss you, but I am glad that you are ambitious.”
“It isn’t ambition,” answered Josie, and a big tear stood in her eye. “It is a sort of trust, the carrying on of my father’s work.”
“Well, well,” boomed Mr. Theodore, vigorously blowing his nose, “you must not forget us. Some day you may feel like accepting the offer. It is an open one and may bring you back to Wakely.”