“Well, I should be careful about reflecting on her character and honesty. You don’t know that she took that money, and I am convinced that she didn’t. A girl who is considerate and thoughtful of others is not likely to be a thief.” “I have accused her of nothing, Mamma, but I will not have her around.” “Now, Lucy, of course I know that you think I should never say a word in this house, but I think it’s my duty to protest in this matter.” Mrs. Merwent assumed an expression of great dignity. “I’m a better judge than you are of what kind of a servant I want,” retorted Lucy, her cheeks flushing. “In other words, I should attend to my own business.” “Well, Mamma, you certainly ought to know that I am the one to take the responsibility in such matters.” “Without considering the wishes or comfort of anyone else in the family!” snapped Nannie. “Of course I might have known that _I_ needn’t expect to be considered. _I_ never count for anything.” “I think the lack of consideration is on your part, Mamma. You don’t care if the girl is lazy and inefficient and dishonest. Just so long as she flatters you and pays you special attention, you stand up for her. The welfare of the family is nothing.” “Of course I might have expected to be insulted. It’s not true, I tell you! I wasn’t thinking of myself at all. I know you are jealous and resentful whenever anybody pays me the least attention, but my only thought was simple justice to the girl. I don’t propose to see anybody misused. We’ll see what John says to your putting a girl in the street without provocation.” “You can tell John, or anybody else you want to, but I shall do as I please in my own house,” flared Lucy, and left the room. * * * * * When John came home that evening he found Nannie alone in the living room. She was in tears. “Why what’s the matter, Nannie?” he cried in consternation. “Oh, John!” She wept. “I don’t know what has come over Lucy! I’ve tried so hard to overlook everything, and came here with a fixed determination to forget the past and all I’ve suffered on account of her, and now she treats me like this! She knows that I’m at her mercy, too. I was brought up to expect such a different fate!” “Why, what has she done?” he asked anxiously. “She wants to dismiss Grace just because the girl likes me, and Lucy can’t bear to have anybody prefer me to her.” Lucy entered the living room. “What’s this about your wanting to discharge the girl, Lucy?” he questioned. “Have you got any reason for it?” “I certainly shouldn’t want to unless I had,” replied Lucy coldly. “Well, Lucy, you know you acknowledged yourself that you had no proof that she took the money,” put in Nannie gently, wiping her eyes. “Yes. I didn’t think she took it when you told me, Lucy,” supplemented John. “It was twice----” began Lucy. “You probably spent it and forgot all about it,” interrupted John.