Dick was discreet enough to turn his attention to a picture on the wall opposite while Sarah went through those acrobatic performances obligatory on women who take no chances of losing money by carrying it in purses.
“There!” she called after a few panting seconds, and exhibited a flushed face.
Dick turned eagerly and seized the banknote offered him.
“Mighty much obliged, Sadie,” he said, enthusiastically. “But I must run. Otherwise, this wouldn't be enough for the fare!” And, so saying, he darted out of the room.
CHAPTER III. ONLY THREE YEARS.
When, at last, the owner of the store entered the office, his face showed extreme irritation. He did not vouchsafe any greeting to the secretary, who regarded him with an accurate perception of his mood. With a diplomacy born of long experience, in her first speech Sarah afforded an agreeable diversion to her employer's line of thought.
“Mr. Hastings, of the Empire store, called you up, Mr. Gilder, and asked me to let him know when you returned. Shall I get him on the wire?”
The man's face lightened instantly, and there was even the beginning of a smile on his lips as he seated himself at the great mahogany desk.
“Yes, yes!” he exclaimed, with evident enthusiasm. The smile grew in the short interval before the connection was made. When, finally, he addressed his friend over the telephone, his tones were of the cheerfulest.