“I think you ought to know what Tamea is driving at, Dan,” Maisie interposed. “Tamea is in open rebellion against Mrs. Pippy and the disaffection has spread to Julia.”
“Mr. Pritchard,” said Mrs. Pippy with great dignity, “I have found it necessary to dismiss Julia for insubordination.”
“Julia belongs to me. Pippy cannot dismiss my Julia, can she, dear Dan Pritchard?” Thus the unhappy man was caught between the cross-fire of the conflicting pair. Dan looked helplessly at Maisie, who eyed him sympathetically and humorously. “Let there be no weakness here,” Tamea warned. “I would have my answer.”
“Why, of course, you asked me for Julia and I said you could have her,” Dan began. At that moment Julia entered the room. “Julia,” Dan queried, “do you desire to remain in the service of Miss Larrieau?”
“Humph! Faith, I’ve never left her ser’rvice, sir.”
“Mrs. Pippy informs me she has dismissed you.”
“The back o’ me hand to Mrs. Pippy.” Julia had started running true to her racial instincts, which dictate a bold, offensive spirit in the face of disaster.
“Julia remains!” cried Tamea.
“Julia goes!”
Devoutly Dan wished that an old-fashioned magician were on hand to render him invisible.