always at home in the afternoon.'

With a fluttering heart Virginia made what haste she could
homewards. The interview had filled her with a turmoil of strange
new thoughts, which she was impatient to pour forth for Alice's
wondering comment. It was the first time in her life that she had
spoken with a woman daring enough to think and act for herself.





CHAPTER IV

MONICA'S MAJORITY




In the drapery establishment where Monica Madden worked and lived it
was not (as is sometimes the case) positively forbidden to the
resident employees to remain at home on Sunday; but they were
strongly recommended to make the utmost possible use of that weekly
vacation. Herein, no doubt, appeared a laudable regard for their
health. Young people, especially young women, who are laboriously
engaged in a shop for thirteen hours and a half every weekday, and
on Saturday for an average of sixteen, may be supposed to need a
Sabbath of open air. Messrs. Scotcher and Co. acted like
conscientious men in driving them forth immediately after breakfast,
and enjoining upon them not to return until bedtime. By way of