“Oh, no!” said Ethel. “I see where we have made mistakes. We’ll avoid them after this and will make something next year.”
“I shan’t try,” said Carry, in a despairing tone. “You, of course, will do as you like, but I’m done with the business.”
“I don’t think I am,” said Ethel.
“Then suppose you buy me out; I’ll sell cheap,” said Carry, forcing a laugh to keep from crying.
“Yes, if you’ll wait a little for your money,” replied Ethel, a sudden conviction coming to her that she could do better alone, as she and Carry did not always agree in regard to the wisdom of proposed measures.
“Yes,” said Carry, “I think it would be only fair that you should settle with the creditors first, and I know you will pay me as soon afterward as you can.”
So it came about that Ethel was soon sole proprietor of the little store, and could manage all parts of the business to suit herself. She bought goods on short credit and was very careful to pay promptly. She did not know that her uncles privately went security for her, and was rather surprised to find the wholesale merchants with whom she dealt so willing to trust her to any amount, though she never bought very largely, being far too cautious for that. She managed so well that in less than a year she was entirely free from debt and had a good run of custom; for so pleasing was her manner, so thoroughly well done her work, her stock of goods so carefully selected, that those who bought of her once were very apt to come again; also to recommend her to others.
Her uncles were kind, though her continuance in business did not meet with their warm approval. Dorothy came in occasionally to see her and her sisters. Harry was given the half-promised place in his uncle’s store, and Miss Seldon was a not infrequent visitor and customer as well. She was very kind, bought of them herself, and recommended the store to others. She would sometimes accept an invitation to stay and take tea with them, all esteeming it a delight to entertain her—she was so kind-hearted and showed such an interest in them and their affairs.
She was in easy circumstances, had travelled a good deal in this and in foreign countries, and her conversation was both interesting and instructive.
One evening a casual mention of having some years before spent a number of weeks on the island of Jamaica aroused a degree of excitement among them that surprised her.