"But," gasped Sadie, "that'll make talk yet!"
Margaret, not replying, started for the door.
"Margaret!" cried Jennie sharply, hurrying after her and catching her arm, "how that'll look yet—you going into the neighbours' to 'phone! You darsent go round to our neighbours' making talk!" she commanded. "I won't leave you do it.'"
"Then will you let me use the telephone here?"
"No, I won't, not for no such a purpose—to go down to see our Danny's clerk when he don't give you dare to. You're near worrying my poor brother to death with the way you act!"
"Please let go my arm, Jennie."
"You pass me your promise, then, that you'll behave yourself. You're all the time raising excitements in our peaceful home that gives Sadie the indigestion!"
Margaret wrenched herself free and went to the front door; but Jennie got there first, turned the key and removed it from the lock.
"I ain't leaving you disgrace us with our neighbours!" she indignantly affirmed.
Margaret, looking white but resolute, went to a side window, raised it, and called into the Kaufmans' dining-room where the family was then breakfasting, while Jennie and Sadie, foiled, but horrified and incredulous of her audacity, fell back.