Faith gave utterance to a pitiful cry. Hardy turned and glared at her a second and then left the office.
"Oh, I did not mean to get him discharged," groaned Faith. "Perhaps a little more mercy would have been far better."
"He deserves no mercy," said Mr. Denton, shortly. There was a decision in his words that was quite contrary to his nature.
The poor woman slipped away thankfully with a grateful smile at Faith, and she was left alone with Mr. Denton. It was the moment she had been praying for, and Faith did not intend to lose it Without a moment's hesitation she spoke softly to her employer.
"Please, Mr. Denton, may I say a few words more? They are not busy downstairs. I am sure they'll not need me."
"Say what you wish," was the answer, and Faith hurried on. Her very soul was on her lips as the words fell from them.
"There are so many things that might be done to improve the conditions for the girls—so much that would add to their happiness and comfort! And it would not take a penny from their sales, either, sir, for surely a clerk that is well and satisfied with her surroundings will be far more courteous to her customers as well as more loyal to her employers. If they could only sit down and rest now and then! It is awful to stand so many long hours. We grow faint and sick, and our backs ache terribly. Why, I have only been in the store a few days, yet last night I could not sleep, I was so lame and weary."
She paused for breath, and then hurried on. Mr. Denton had turned his face away, but was listening intently.
"There are all sorts and kinds of girls in the store, Mr. Denton; some are good and pure, while others are reckless and even vicious. Poor things, they have nothing behind them but memories of sorrow, and there is nothing ahead of them but hard work and trouble. It seems to me God never meant us to have it so hard—if He had He would have made our nerves and our muscles stronger. I think he meant us to do our share of work in the world, but he made men to protect us from the real drudgery of life, whether they were our fathers, brothers, husbands or employers. Of course, I am only a child in years, but it has all been forced upon me by a single week in the store. I have seen more sorrow in three days than I ever dreamed of, and I am praying night and day to be able to relieve it."
She came to a dead stop with the tears choking her voice. The next instant Mr. Denton rose and patted her on the shoulder.