"I wish I was sure it was only that."
"Why?"
"Because then I wouldn't care so much. I should know there was nothing the matter with my work."
"Of course there isn't. You're one of the best operators they've got in the mill. Hines, one of the bosses, told me so only the other day."
"Really?" The girl's face brightened. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Oh, I don't know. Forgot it, I guess," smiled Hal. It was not his way to pass on compliments. Had the criticism been adverse he would have told it quickly enough.
"Well, I'm awfully glad he said so."
"Yes, it was very decent of him. Everybody knows though that you're a fine worker—even old Corcoran himself, I'll be bound, although he wouldn't admit it. You're quick, careful, prompt and never absent. What else do they want? Oh, Corcoran was behind this, all right. It wasn't your work sacked you. It was plain spite."
"I'm thankful for that!" sighed Louise.
"I'm not. It makes me hot," burst out Hal.