“Don’t you suppose they were working at something?” Mrs. Brandon suggested, sensibly.
“I did think so, of course; but Miss Townsend seemed to fear all sorts of things; yet she never would put her fears into sensible words,” Miss Manners told them curiously.
“But how could that be connected with the foolish story of Mr. Sander’s disappearing trick?” Mrs. Brandon wanted to know.
“You see, it was all so unusual—I mean Mr. Sanders coming in here a stranger, and not living any place that folks could find out. Then, when he came down to Mr. Townsend here, got him all excited over some secret, got him to draw his money from the bank, and finally worked poor Miss Townsend into a state of nervous breakdown, why, naturally the people around suspected almost everything—even to calling him a magician,” Miss Manners said, with a timid little smile.
“I couldn’t give credence to any of it,” replied Mrs. Brandon decidedly. “I have met Mr. Sanders and share your opinion; that he is a perfect gentleman.”
“Well, I’ve talked a long way from my own story haven’t I?” Miss Manners sighed again, as she blinked against impelling thoughts. “You see, I have no friends at hand, and when I did so large an order of hand-made handkerchiefs—it took me months to do them—I depended upon that money for the summer. But the lady I made them for was called hurriedly abroad, on account of the sudden illness of her husband, and she never gave a thought to my precious twenty-five dollars,” the little lady sighed ruefully.
“She went away and owed you all that money!” Nancy exclaimed. “However could she have forgotten?”
“My dear child, we are all selfish when in trouble I suppose,” said Miss Manners charitably. “But I did fully expect to hear from her before this, and my next rent will be due in three days. I just came in to consult with you, not to borrow. I wondered if you knew of anything I could do—”
“Certainly I do,” Nancy almost shouted. “You can start a little private school, a class in domestic science right in my—in our store,” she exclaimed. “I know at least a half dozen girls who will be glad to take a month’s course, and we’ll all pay you in advance. They always do in private schools!”
The women both appeared speechless as Nancy rattled on. The idea was plainly fascinating. A domestic science class for the girls who hated housework, as Nancy did! How much better than idling an entire vacation!