On entering the store two days later, Milly observed a certain air of reserve among the girls nearest her, yet they all looked at her critically. One or two whispered as she went by them with her usual friendly "Good-morning," and others gave a little significant toss to head or shoulders as she spoke. Mary Hardman was busy in the cloak-room, and as Mildred entered she said, with a short laugh, "I don't believe you will be wanted here to-day, Miss Lee. However, father's coming in directly, and he'll tell you for himself." Before Mildred could answer, the burly figure of Mr. Hardman senior came toward them. "'Morning, Miss Lee," he said, nodding his head. "Will you be kind enough to step into my room?" It was a sort of office, close at hand, where the girls went to receive special orders, their weekly salary, or any necessary reprimands. The day before Milly had penetrated this sanctum to beg a loan of twenty-two dollars from her employer; now she followed him with doubting steps. What could it mean? Mr. Tom was seated in a big leather chair by the table, with the air of judge and jury, witness and lawyer. "Sit down, Miss Lee," said the elder man, motioning her to a seat. "Now, Thomas, I think you can tell the story." While Mildred mechanically dropped into a chair, the old man paced the floor, and Mr. Tom, veiling a sneer, began: "Miss Lee, I'll go right to the main question. We've missed some money from the drawer. It disappeared day before yesterday morning. _The sum was twenty-two dollars._ Now as you were at the desk between twelve and two o'clock on that day, _can you account for it_?" Mr. Tom drew up his little ferret eyes with a most malicious expression. "Twenty-two dollars!" gasped Milly; her face was crimson. "No, I can not account for it. Twenty-two dollars?" she repeated the question with a look of blank dismay. "Go on, Thomas," said Mr. Hardman senior. "Well, then," said Tom, "we happen to know you _needed_ just that sum. You tried to borrow it of my father, and _you paid it out_ in the evening." Evidently Mr. Tom thought this sentence his crowning success, for he rose up, trying to look very fine, as he finished it. To Mildred the next moment seemed an hour of pain. She sat still, gazing ahead of her, trying to realize the situation. Then they accused her of stealing the money! "And you think _I_ took it?" she said, faintly. "I'm afraid we don't _think_ much about it," said Mr. Tom. "Circumstances are dead against you." Mildred stood up, putting out one trembling hand as though she would implore some consideration. She thought of her mother lying ill at home; of all the miseries of the past few weeks. It made her head dizzy, and she sank back into her chair, while Tom continued: