“My first duty to my father,” said Harold, “is to protect my mother.”
That afternoon McQuiston called Annie Wooley into his private office and told her that her services would not be needed any longer, and that in lieu of notice the clerk would give her two weeks’ salary.
“Can I call up here for references?” Annie asked.
“Certainly. But you had better ask for me, personally. You must know there has been some criticism of you here in the office, Miss Wooley.”
“What about?” Annie asked boldly.
“Well, a young girl like you cannot render so much personal service to her employer as you did to Mr. Wanning without causing unfavorable comment. To be blunt with you, for your own good, my dear young lady, your services to your employer should terminate in the office, and at the close of office hours. Mr. Wanning was a very sick man and his judgment was at fault, but you should have known what a girl in your station can do and what she cannot do.”
The vague discomfort of months flashed up in little Annie. She had no mind to stand by and be lectured without having a word to say for herself.
“Of course he was sick, poor man!” she burst out. “Not as anybody seemed much upset about it. I wouldn’t have given up my half-holidays for anybody if they hadn’t been sick, no matter what they paid me. There wasn’t anything in it for me.”
McQuiston raised his hand warningly.
“That will do, young lady. But when you get another place, remember this: it is never your duty to entertain or to provide amusement for your employer.”