"That it is! But why can't the publishers pay a salary, the same as your husband's firm?"
"Ah! they don't; anyhow, not at the beginning. Besides, James has been with Pilcher's ten years now; he wasn't earning so much when he started with them."
"'Spect one reason is because such a heap more people buy spirits than books!" said Charlotte. "Pa!"
"Eh, ma lassie?"
"The lady's going to be an agent——"
"Weel?"
"Then, pa," said Charlotte, "won't we all drink to the lady's luck in a sample?"
"Ye veecious midget," ejaculated her father wrathfully, "are ye no' ashamed tae mak' sic a proposeetion? Ye'll no' drink a sample, will ye, young leddy?"
"I will not indeed!" answered Mary.
"No' but what ye're welcome."