Miss Gardner bowed stiffly.
"Matilda, see that Miss Gardner is paid in full to the end of her month; and also pay her one month in advance. And telephone about until you can find me a maid—do not bother about the secretary part of it—a maid who is not married, and who can come at once. That is all."
Matilda, still somewhat pale and agitated, started to follow out the proud Miss Gardner, who gave a swift glance at the study door—while Mrs. De Peyster looked on with her invariable calm majesty.
CHAPTER III
MISTRESS OF HER HOUSE
But at just this moment there was a smart rap at the library door, it was partly opened, and a cheery masculine voice called out:—
"May I come in, mother?"
"You, Jack. You may," was the somewhat eager response from Mrs. De Peyster.