CHAPTER XIX.
FAITH GETS ACQUAINTED WITH THE THIEF.
It was impossible for any one to see Maggie Brady's face without readingin it how much she hated the girl who she thought had stolen her loverfrom her. Miss Fairbanks turned on her heel and walked away laughing,while several of the clerks began jeering Maggie quietly.
"You are not the only pebble on the beach; did you think you were, Mag?There are others, you see! Why, you're not one, two, three in JimDenton's good graces!"
"Off with the old and on with the new! There's no one proves the truthof that proverb oftener than a certain young man I could mention!However, Maggie, don't throw up the sponge! You've got the first claimon Jim Denton--why don't you let him know it?"
Faith listened to these words in utter amazement. She was distressedbeyond measure that this unfortunate thing should have happened.
She was glad enough when a number of customers came in. She wasbeginning to dread these occasional lulls in business. Maggie Brady hadnot said a word in reply to any of the taunts, but her face had paleduntil the two spots of rouge on her cheeks gave her a ghastly look thatwas positively shocking.
Faith felt so sorry for the girl that she did not know what to do, butthere was no time to waste in thinking, for she was being addressed by acustomer.
"My dear, can you tell me where that young lady is--Number 89, I think,they called her. She waited on me so nicely the other day that I wouldlike to see her again if there is no objection."
Before she had finished speaking Faith had recognized her. It was thekind old lady whom Miss Jennings had dragged behind the counter duringthe excitement about the fire. She had said at that time that she wouldnot forget her.
Faith's ready tears had already sprung into her eyes, but she managed totell the good woman what had happened.
When she finished speaking the lady looked terribly grieved. She couldnot speak for a moment--she was so shocked and indignant.
"That settles my shopping in this place any more," she said finally. "Iwill not trade in a store where my sister women are so badly treated."
Faith saw her opportunity, so she hurriedly told her about the petition,and how the house that had closed its doors because a son of the juniorpartner died would not spare half a day to let its employees attend thefuneral of a comrade.
"What a shame!" said the lady, carefully lowering her voice. "What apity that the public should not know of all these things. I am sure itwould result in their losing many customers."
"If there was only some way to make them more considerate," said Faithsadly, "and I am sure there is--I am praying for them daily."
"Dear, dear, you don't say!" said the lady, a little surprised. "Why, itis strange that I did not think of that before, for I am accustomed togoing to the Lord with everything!"
"Oh, I am so glad to hear that!" cried Faith impetuously. "Then you willhelp me to pray for the firm that employs me! It may be that God willtouch their hearts. We must do our best and then be patient."
"You are a brave young girl and a wise one," said the lady. "Many whoare much older than you have not learned that lesson."
The customers were beginning to push and crowd about the counter, so theold lady went away to allow Faith to wait upon them. As she left thedepartment, Mr. Gunning bowed to her politely.
"One of our best customers," he remarked to Miss Fairbanks as he passedher.
At luncheon time there was none of the usual laughter in thecloak-room. The girls were all thinking of Miss Jennings and talkedalmost in whispers. In a very few minutes Faith saw a young woman comein. It was the girl who had stolen the piece of jewelry on the day ofthe fire and for whom Miss Jennings had pleaded so successfully.
When Faith saw her she felt a thrill to the very tips of her fingers. Itwas a thrill of thankfulness that she had not denied the dead girl'srequest to show mercy to the poor sinner who had been so wronged by herparents.
As soon as she could she walked over and stood by the girl. She was asallow brunette but her features were regular and delicate.
"Do you mind my talking to you a little?" Faith asked softly. "You see,I know almost no one in the store except Miss Jennings, and now that sheis gone I am very lonely."
"Why, no, I don't mind your talking to me, why should I? I guess itain't necessary to wait for an introduction. Got anything in particularyou want to say to me?"
The girl's answer was prompt, but not at all unpleasant.
"Oh, no; that is, not now," said Faith very quickly. "I just want to getacquainted. You know I could see you plainly when I was a packer and,well, I liked your looks and that's about all there is to it."
While she was speaking, Faith was conscious of a change in the girl'sface. She was evidently trying to read her to see if there was anythingbehind this desire for an acquaintance.
Faith tried to smile brightly as she looked into her eyes. She knew thatshe must win this girl's friendship if she wished to help her.
"Let's sit down here," said the young woman shortly. "I like thiscorner; it's lighter than the others."
They both sat down and opened their baskets, and while they hurriedlyswallowed their luncheon, they talked a little.
"My name is Faith Marvin and I have Miss Jennings' place at present atthe ribbon counter. I wrote that petition that you signed this morning.Isn't it too bad that the firm will not grant us that sacred privilegeof accompanying our dead friend to her last resting place?"
Faith had introduced herself as well as she could, and now waited forher companion to follow her example.
"My name is Lou Willis and I hate funerals," said the girl. "I can't seewhy in the world you ever wrote that petition."
The words startled Faith; they were so sharp and unfeeling.
"Why--you signed the petition," she said after a minute.
"Oh, of course I signed it, but can't you see why, you ninny? If we geta day off I'll go somewhere on a lark! You don't catch this chickenattending any funerals."
Faith was so shocked this time that she could not speak, but the girlrattled on without apparently noticing it.
"I'm not one of your milk and water Sunday school girls! If I ever getreligious at all I'll join the Salvation Army! Do you know that's agreat scheme, that Salvation Army? You get six dollars a week and yourhusband picked out for you. Really, that's a great inducement, Marvin,when you come to think of it! I'd never be able to pick out a husbandmyself. I'm what they call too--too--oh--you know--fickle!"
Faith forgot to eat, she was so astonished. This was a type of womanthat she had never dreamed of. Was she joking or serious? Faith couldnot decide. As she sat pondering and staring, her companion went ontalking calmly.
"That Maggie Brady has it in for you, they tell me--but say, forgoodness sake, how did you manage to cut her out with Jim Denton? Why,he's been sweet on Mag for at least three months, and that's a long timefor Jim. I really began to think he was serious."
She paused to take a mouthful of bread and butter, so Faith attempted tospeak. The words came slowly, for she was a little uncertain how to saythem. "I am sorry if Miss Brady does not like me, I am sure. But you arewrong, Miss Willis. I have not 'cut her out' with Mr. Denton. On thecontrary, I have never spoken to the young man but once, and that wasyesterday, when he suggested that I write that petition."
"But he sent you a package to-day," said the girl, staring. "He must bebadly smitten to be sending presents in such a hurry."
"It was only a box of candy," said Faith, hastily. "I gave it to one ofthe cash girls. I don't understand what made him send it."
"You must be silly if you don't," said the girl, laughing harshly.
At just that instant Maggie Brady passed close by them, and Miss Willisseeing her, raised her voice a little.
"Why, he is in love with you, of course," she said, with one eye onMaggie. "If he wasn't he wouldn't be sending you boxes of candy."
"Hush!" cried Faith. "You are cruel! How could you, Miss Willis!"
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bsp; For answer the girl broke into peals of laughter.
"Oh, I just love Mag Brady--that's why I said it I Can't you see foryourself how much I love her?"