inances are low. You have just
discharged her, and I insist on your giving this young lady an
opportunity."

Trubus reddened, and tried to object.

But his good wife overruled him.

"Have you ever used a switchboard, miss?" he began.

"Yes, sir. In my last position I began on the switchboard, and worked
that way for nearly two months. I am sure I can do it."

Trubus did not seem so optimistic. But, at his wife's silent
argument--looks more eloquent than a half hour of oratory, he nodded
grudgingly.

"Well, you can start in. Just hang your hat over on the wall hook.
Come into my office, my dear wife."

They entered, and Mary sat down, still in a daze. She had been so
suddenly discharged and then employed again that it seemed a dream.
Even the terrible hours of the night seemed some hideous nightmare
rather than reality.

Miss Emerson came from the side room, attired in a street garb which
would have brought envy to many a chorus girl.

"Oh, my dear, and so you are to follow my job. Well, I wish you joy,
sweetie. Tell Papa Trubus that I'll be back after lunch time for my
check. And keep your lamps rolling on the old gink and he'll raise
your salary once a month. He's not such a dead one if he is strong on
this charity game. Life with Trubus is just one telephone girl after
another ... ta, ta, dearie. I'm off stage."

And she departed, leaving simple Mary decidedly mystified by her
diatribe.

A few minutes brought another diversion. This time it was Sylvia
Trubus and Ralph Gresham, her fiance, come for a call.

"Is my father in?" she asked, absorbed in the well groomed, selfish
young man. Mary rang the private bell and announced Miss Trubus. Her
father hurried to the door, and when he saw his prospective son-in-law
his face wreathed in smiles.

"Ah, Mr. Gresham, Ralph, I might say, I am delighted! Come right in!"

Mary was startled as she heard the name of the young girl's sweetheart.

"I'm afraid that she will not be as happy as she thinks, if daddy has
told me right about Ralph Gresham. But, oh, if I could hear something
from Bobbie about Lorna. I believe I will call him up."

She was just summoning the courage for a private call when the private
office door opened, and Gresham, Sylvia, her mother and Trubus emerged.

"I will return in ten minutes, Miss," said Trubus. "If there are any
calls just take a record of them. Allow no one to go into my private
office."

"Yes, sir."