"How many hands do you employ?"
Standring told her.
"Will you let me see your books?"
"It's not usual," replied Standring. "You see, it's the wage-book, and the account is kept there of the amount each person earns."
"But I'm sure you will let me see it?" said Mary, looking at the young man with a smile. "Believe me, I do not ask without serious reason!"
The young man hesitated a few seconds and then put the books before her. "Here they are," He said. "Every name is put down here, and what each has earned."
"I want to see the pages for the month of December," said Mary. "By the way, do you often discharge your hands?"
"We never discharge anyone except for a serious reason," said Standring.
"Have you discharged anyone since—since—Mr. Stepaside went to Manchester?"
"No," said Standring. "You see, there was no reason. Business has gone on just the same as ever."