Aunt Jane's Nieces

by L. Frank Baum

  CHAPTER XXVIII.

  PATSY LOSES HER JOB.

  Uncle John reached Willing Square before Patsy and her fatherreturned, but soon afterward they arrived in an antiquated carriagesurrounded by innumerable bundles.

  "The driver's a friend of mine," explained the Major, "and he moved usfor fifty cents, which is less than half price. We didn't bring a bitof the furniture or beds, for there's no place here to put them; butas the rent at Becker's flat is paid to the first of next month, we'llhave plenty of time to auction 'em all off."

  The rest of the day was spent most delightfully in establishingthemselves in the new home. It didn't take the girl long to put herfew belongings into the closets and drawers, but there were a thousandlittle things to examine in the rooms and she made some importantdiscovery at every turn.

  "Daddy," she said, impressively, "it must have cost a big fortune tofurnish these little rooms. They're full of very expensive things, andnone of the grand houses Madam Borne has sent me to is any finer thanours. I'm sure the place is too good for us, who are working people.Do you think we ought to stay here?"

  "The Doyles," answered the Major, very seriously, "are one of thegreatest and most aristocratic families in all Ireland, which is themost aristocratic country in the world. If I only had our pedigree Icould prove it to you easily. There's nothing too good for an Irishgentleman, even if he condescends to bookkeeping to supply theimmediate necessities of life; and as you're me own daughter,Patricia, though a Merrick on your poor sainted mother's side, you'reentitled to all you can get honestly. Am I right, Uncle John, or do Iflatter myself?"

  Uncle John stroked the girl's head softly.

  "You are quite right," he said. "There is nothing too good for abrave, honest girl who's heart is in the right place."

  "And that's Patsy," declared the Major, as if the question werefinally settled.

  On Monday morning Mary had a dainty breakfast all ready for them atseven o'clock, and Patsy and her father departed with light hearts fortheir work. Uncle John rode part way down town with them.

  "I'm going to buy my new suit, today, and a new necktie," he said.

  "Don't let them rob you," was Patsy's parting injunction. "Is yourmoney all safe? And if you buy a ten dollar suit of clothes the dealerought to throw in the necktie to bind the bargain. And see thatthey're all wool, Uncle John."

  "What, the neckties?"

  "No, the clothes. Good-bye, and don't be late to dinner. Mary mightscold."

  "I'll remember. Good-bye, my dear."

  Patsy was almost singing for joy when she walked into Madam Borne'shair-dressing establishment.

  "Don't take off your things," said the Madam, sharply, "Your servicesare no longer required."

  Patsy looked at her in amazement. Doubtless she hadn't heard aright.

  "I have another girl in your place," continued Madam Borne, "so I'llbid you good morning."

  Patsy's heart was beating fast.

  "Do you mean I'm discharged?" she asked, with a catch in her voice.

  "That's it precisely."

  "Have I done anything wrong, Madam?"

  "It isn't that," said Madam, pettishly. "I simply do not require yourservices. You are paid up to Saturday night, and I owe you nothing.Now, run along."

  Patsy stood looking at her and wondering what to do. To lose thisplace was certainly a great calamity.

  "You'll give me a testimonial, won't you, Madam?" she asked,falteringly.

  "I don't give testimonials," was the reply.

  "Do run away, child; I'm very busy this morning."

  Patsy went away, all her happiness turned to bitter grief. What wouldthe Major say, and what were they to do without her wages? Then sheremembered Willing Square, and was a little comforted. Money was notas necessary now as it had been before.

  Nevertheless, she applied to one or two hair-dressers for employment,and met with abrupt refusals. They had all the help they needed. Soshe decided to go back home and think it over, before taking furtheraction.

  It was nearly ten o'clock when she fitted her pass-key into the carveddoor of Apartment D, and when she entered the pretty living-room shefound an elderly lady seated there, who arose to greet her.

  "Miss Doyle?" enquired the lady.

  "Yes, ma'am," said Patsy.

  "I am Mrs. Wilson, and I have been engaged to give you privateinstruction from ten to twelve every morning."

  Patsy plumped down upon a chair and looked her amazement.

  "May I ask who engaged you?" she ventured to enquire.

  "A gentleman from the bank of Isham, Marvin & Co. made thearrangement. May I take off my things?"

  "If you please," said the girl, quietly. Evidently this explained whyMadam Borne had discharged her so heartlessly. The gentleman fromIsham, Marvin & Co. had doubtless interviewed the Madam and told herwhat to do. And then, knowing she would be at liberty, he had sent herthis private instructor.

  The girl felt that the conduct of her life had been taken out of herown hands entirely, and that she was now being guided and cared for byher unknown friend and benefactor. And although she was inclined toresent the loss of her independence, at first, her judgment told herit would not only be wise but to her great advantage to submit.

  She found Mrs. Wilson a charming and cultivated lady, who proved sogracious and kindly that the girl felt quite at ease in her presence.She soon discovered how woefully ignorant Patsy was, and arranged acourse of instruction that would be of most benefit to her.

  "I have been asked to prepare you to enter a girls' college," shesaid, "and if you are attentive and studious I shall easily accomplishthe task."

  Patsy invited her to stay to luncheon, which Mary served in the cosydining-room, and then Mrs. Wilson departed and left her alone to thinkover this new example of her unknown friend's thoughtful care.

  At three o'clock the door-bell rang and Mary ushered in anotherstrange person--a pretty, fair-haired young lady, this time, who saidshe was to give Miss Doyle lessons on the piano.

  Patsy was delighted. It was the one accomplishment she most longed toacquire, and she entered into the first lesson with an eagerness thatmade her teacher smile approvingly.

  Meantime the Major was having his own surprises. At the office themanager met him on his arrival and called him into his private room.

  "Major Doyle," said he, "it is with great regret that we part withyou, for you have served our house most faithfully."

  The Major was nonplussed.

  "But," continued the manager, "our bankers, Messers. Isham, Marvin& Co., have asked us to spare you for them, as they have a placerequiring a man of your abilities where you can do much better thanwith us. Take this card, sir, and step over to the bankers and enquirefor Mr. Marvin. I congratulate you, Major Doyle, on your advancement,which I admit is fully deserved."

  The Major seemed dazed. Like a man walking in a dream he made his wayto the great banking house, and sent in the card to Mr. Marvin.

  That gentleman greeted him most cordially.

  "We want you to act as special auditor of accounts," said he. "It is aplace of much responsibility, but your duties will not be arduous. Youwill occupy Private Office No. 11, and your hours are only from 10to 12 each morning. After that you will be at liberty. The salary,I regret to say, is not commensurate with your value, being merelytwenty-four hundred a year; but as you will have part of the day toyourself you will doubtless be able to supplement that sum in otherways. Is this satisfactory, sir?"

  "Quite so," answered the Major. Twenty-four hundred a year! And onlytwo hours' work! Quite satisfactory, indeed!

  His little office was very cosy, too; and the work of auditing theaccounts of the most important customers of the house requiredaccuracy but no amount of labor. It was an ideal occupation for a manof his years and limited training.

  He stayed in the office until two o'clock that day, in order to getfully acquainted with the details of his work. Then he closed hisdesk, went to luncheon, which he enjoyed ama
zingly, and then decidedto return to Willing Square and await Patsy's return from MadamBorne's.

  As he let himself in he heard an awkward drumming and strumming on thepiano, and peering slyly through the opening in the portierre he wasstartled to find Patsy herself making the dreadful noise, while apretty girl sat beside her directing the movements of her fingers.

  The Major watched for several minutes, in silent but amazedexultation; then he tiptoed softly to his room to smoke a cigar andwait until his daughter was at liberty to hear his great news andexplain her own adventures.

  When Uncle John came home to dinner he found father and daughterseated happily together in a loving embrace, their faces wreathed withecstatic smiles that were wonderful to behold.

  Uncle John was radiant in a brand new pepper-and-salt suit of clothesthat fitted his little round form perfectly. Patsy marvelled that hecould get such a handsome outfit for the money, for Uncle John had onnew linen and a new hat and even a red-bordered handkerchief for thecoat pocket--besides the necktie, and the necktie was of fine silk andin the latest fashion.

  The transformation was complete, and Uncle John had suddenly become aneminently respectable old gentleman, with very little to criticise inhis appearance.

  "Do I match the flat, now?" he asked.

  "To a dot!" declared Patsy. "So come to dinner, for it's ready andwaiting, and the Major and I have some wonderful fairy tales to tellyou."