“Yes, daddy,” said Grace kindly. “I want to make my time count. If I’m going to be a business woman I mean to play the game for all I’m worth.”
“I simply couldn’t be reconciled to having you in a store,” said Mrs. Durland. “An office would be much more dignified.”
“I guess Grace can take care of herself,” Durland ventured.
“Of course!” replied Mrs. Durland quickly, “we can trust our girls anywhere. I was only thinking of the annoyances. I’ve seen girls humiliated by floor-walkers—right before customers, and it always makes me boil. And I’m ashamed to say there are women who are perfectly hateful to the clerks who wait on them.”
“Well, who’s afraid!” said Grace cheerfully. “School teachers have a hard time too, with principals and supervisors pecking at them all the time. Now that I’m going out into the world I’m not going to ask any special favors because I’m a woman. The day for that’s all passed.”
“And it’s a pity it’s so!” declared Mrs. Durland.
“Oh, mother, I’m for taking the world as I find it!” She glanced laughingly at her father who smiled at her approvingly. In his undemonstrative way he was relieved that Grace was meeting family misfortunes so bravely. His courage was strengthened by her very presence in the house. Prematurely aged as he was, he rejoiced in her youth, her radiant vitality, her good humor and high spirits. He followed her with admiring eyes as she moved about the room. She bent for a moment over the book he had been reading, asked questions about it, drawing him out as to its nature and merits. He was as happy as a boy when a sympathetic grown-up manifests an intelligent interest in his toys.
“I hope you won’t be in too much of a hurry about going to work, Grace,” said Mrs. Durland. “It’s a serious matter for you and all of us. Perhaps Ethel could make some suggestions. Some of her church friends might be able to help you.”
“I shall be glad to do anything I can,” Ethel murmured without looking up from her sewing.
“Oh, thanks; I’ll certainly call on you if I see any place where you can help. I’ve been thinking about it ever since I got mother’s letter, and I believe I’ll call up Irene Kirby right now and make an appointment to see her tomorrow. She’s been in Shipley’s ever since she left high school.”