"Well," he said, finally, "you report here at eight o'clock
Monday morning. I think I can find something for you to do."

He left her revived by the possibilities, sure that she had found
something at last. Instantly the blood crept warmly over her
body. Her nervous tension relaxed. She walked out into the busy
street and discovered a new atmosphere. Behold, the throng was
moving with a lightsome step. She noticed that men and women
were smiling. Scraps of conversation and notes of laughter
floated to her. The air was light. People were already pouring
out of the buildings, their labour ended for the day. She
noticed that they were pleased, and thoughts of her sister's home
and the meal that would be awaiting her quickened her steps. She
hurried on, tired perhaps, but no longer weary of foot. What
would not Minnie say! Ah, the long winter in Chicago--the
lights, the crowd, the amusement! This was a great, pleasing
metropolis after all. Her new firm was a goodly institution.
Its windows were of huge plate glass. She could probably do well
there. Thoughts of Drouet returned--of the things he had told
her. She now felt that life was better, that it was livelier,
sprightlier. She boarded a car in the best of spirits, feeling
her blood still flowing pleasantly. She would live in Chicago,
her mind kept saying to itself. She would have a better time
than she had ever had before--she would be happy.



Chapter IV

THE SPENDINGS OF FANCY--FACTS ANSWER WITH SNEERS