"Why, I told you to stay here and get your things together, and then Mr. Brockton will probably want you to do something. Later I think he'll have you pack up, just as soon as he finds I'm gone. I've got the address that you gave me. I'll let you know if you can come on."
Hiding the ribbon inside her waist, the negress said suddenly:
"Ain't yuh goin' to give me anything at all, jes' to remembuh yuh by? Ah've been so honest——"
"Honest?" echoed her mistress scornfully.
"Honest, Ah have."
"You've been about as honest as most colored girls are who work for women in the position that I am in. You haven't stolen enough to make me discharge you, but I've seen what you've taken."
"Now, Miss Laura!" protested the girl.
"Don't try to fool me!" cried Laura indignantly. "What you've got you're welcome to, but for Heaven's sake don't prate around here about loyalty and honesty. I'm sick of it."
"Ain't yuh goin' to give me no recommendation?"
Laura shrugged her shoulders impatiently.