"Thank you, oh, thank you! An' it will go quite a ways, won't it?--for
Keith, I mean. The--" But with sudden sharpness Mrs. Colebrook
interrupted her.

"Susan, how many times have I told you to speak of my nephew as
'Master Keith'? Furthermore, I shall have to remind you once more that
you are trying to interfere altogether too much in his care. In fact,
Susan, I may as well speak plainly. For some time past you have failed
to give satisfaction. You are paid in full now, I believe, with some
to spare, perhaps. You may work the week out. After that we shall no
longer require your services."

The man at the end of the room wheeled sharply and half started to
come forward. Then, with his habitual helpless gesture, he turned back
to his old position.

Susan, her face eloquent with amazed unbelief, turned from one to the
other.

"You mean--you don't mean--Mis' Colebrook, be you tryin' to--dismissal
me?"

Mrs. Colebrook flushed and bit her lip.

"I am dismissing you--yes."

Once more Susan, in dazed unbelief, looked from one to the other. Her
eyes dwelt longest on the figure of the man at the end of the room.