"'Sh!" said Mrs. Joyce again, more privately. "I work 'em hard—and pay 'em a bonus—a dollar a week extra, as long as they give satisfaction. It reduces my profits some—but it's worth it!"
"It's worth it to us, I'm sure!" said Miss Podder.
Mrs. MacAvelly called one evening in the first week, with warm interest and approval. The tired girls were sitting about in comfortable rockers and lounges, under comfortable lights, reading and sewing. The untired ones were dancing in the dining-room, to the industrious pianola, or having games of cards in the parlor.
"Do you think it'll be a success?" she asked her friend.
"It is a success!" Miss Podder triumphantly replied. "I'm immensely proud of it!"
"I should think you would be," aid Mrs. MacAvelly.
The doorbell rang sharply.
Mrs. Joyce was hopping through the hall at the moment, and promptly opened it.
"Does Miss Martha Joyce board here?" inquired a gentleman.
"She does."