CHAPTER 10By-and-by Jarboe came to the office to say: “Mr. Henry Varick’s compliments to Madame Storey. He is dining downstairs at half-past seven, and wishes to know if Madame Storey will do him the honour of joining him.”
It amused my employer to treat the magnificent Jarboe in an off-hand and facetious manner. “But, Jarboe, I have nothing to wear!” she said.
He never smiled. “Under the circumstances, Madame, I am sure Mr. Henry will understand.”
“Very well. Tell him that Madame Storey and Miss Brickley will be happy to join him.”
Jarboe looked a little dubious at the inclusion of my name. However, he marched off.
“Mr. Henry has decided to take the bull by the horns,” remarked Mme. Storey to me.
When the hour arrived, my mistress and I went slowly down the sweeping stairway arm in
