“That speaks well for her,” Chick remarked tentatively.
“Not more so than she deserves,” Boyden quickly assured him. “Nellie is a very good girl, none better, sir, as far as that goes. She has no means beyond what she earns, but she is strictly honest and reliable.”
“Her character and habits are good?”
“Yes, indeed, or she would not be in my employ.”
“I want to talk with her for a few moments.”
“Go ahead. You’ll find her at the office counter. She acts as my cashier when I am out. I have an appointment, or I would go in and introduce you.”
“Thank you, but that is not necessary,” said Chick. “I want only a few words with her.”
Boyden bowed and departed without replying, and Chick turned toward the restaurant door. The information he had received was all to the girl’s credit. It denoted that evil and deception were entirely foreign to her nature. Chick knew that she had lied to Doctor Devoll, nevertheless, and he was determined to learn for what reason.
There were only a few scattered patrons in the restaurant at that hour, and he found Nellie Fielding at leisure, standing behind a small counter on which were a cash register and a cigar case. He approached and bought some cigars from her, at once favorably impressed with her neat appearance and modest bearing.
“You are Miss Fielding, I believe,” he remarked while paying her.