The clatter of busy knives and forks, the cheerful hum of happy voices now drowned everything else, and Hattie, who made as usual but a light supper, took occasion when she was sure no one else would hear her to tell Miss Scrimp that Mr. W——, her employer, had made an appointment to meet her there on business at eight o’clock, and she wished to see him in her parlor.
“You know it’s agin my rules, dear,” said Miss Scrimp, trying hard to be gracious.
“I know it, Miss Scrimp, and under no other circumstances would I ask the favor,” replied Hattie, still speaking in an undertone.
“Couldn’t you see him in my room, and I’d make it seem as if he came to see me on business,” said Miss Scrimp, in a pleading tone. “You see, if once I break over my rule, every girl in the house will be askin’ to have her beau meet her in my parlor, and the whole house would soon be overrun by horrid men.”
“I did not take that view of the case when I made the application. But, on second thought, I am very willing to see Mr. W—— in your sitting-room and in your presence.”
“That’s a dear, good girl! I’ll fix it so I let him in myself, and I’ll take him right to my room, where you’ll be, and not a girl in the house shall see him, or know who he came to see other than me,” said the old maid, happy at the thought that she could hear what this important business was.
A secret to Miss Scrimp was a jewel to be possessed at the risk of death almost.
Seeing that the clock at the end of the dining-room was about to strike eight, she whispered to Hattie to go to her room, and left the table herself just as the front door bell rang.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE INTERVIEW.
“I’ll go to the door, dear—you keep on waitin’ on the table. I’m expecting the house agent,” said Miss Scrimp to Little Jessie, who started when she heard the bell ring.