“Six hundred and sefenty-fife dollars ef you please.”
“Wait!” The thought had suddenly flashed into Lola’s mind. There was money there in the safe, a large sum. She had seen several hundred-dollar bills. This woman would not go without money. Unless she went at once, before dinner was over, John and her father would learn about the bill for six hundred and seventy-five dollars. They would not understand; they would make a fuss. Surely anything is better than a fuss.
She did not hesitate once she had made up her mind, but stepped to the safe and turned the combination, opened the door and, taking out the roll of bills, calmly counted out the necessary sum.
“You have a receipted bill?”
“Yes, yes, Miss Barnhelm.”
The woman was all smiles now, bowing respectfully and humbly.
“Take it.” Lola held the money out with one hand, as she took the receipted bill with the other.
“Thank you, Miss Barnhelm. I hope I haf nod offended you. I am a poor woman, and I haf many expenses.”
“I have paid you—now, go.”
“I haf some beautiful new goods, just from Paris. If you will call——”