A quick flush mounted the man’s brow, and he bowed Tavia out of his private office.
Once again in the open, she breathed freely.
“What a perfectly horrid man,” she murmured. “To think that Mrs. White receives but thirty-five dollars from each apartment and he actually gets eighty and one hundred dollars! Poor Miss Mingle! It must take every penny she earns just to pay the rent! And it takes all Aunt Winnie receives to pay the expenses and taxes of the place! And with the difference Mr. Akerson buys fur coats and things.” Tavia’s indignation knew no bounds.
On the trip home she thought quickly and clearly.
Arriving there, she was met by an excited family.
“Wherever have you been?” cried Dorothy.
“My dear,” gasped Aunt Winnie, “you’ve given us an awful fright!”
“I was just down to start out on a trip through the hospitals and police stations,” said Ned.
“And I’ve now spoiled the beautiful trip,” said Tavia, with a laugh. “It’s just delightful to stay away long enough to be missed.”
“Yes, I know it is,” said Dorothy. “But where have you been?”