“I say there's some one here who wants to see you.”
Was that a laugh which Albert heard behind him? He turned around, but the young lady's face wore the same grave, even demure, expression.
“What do you want to see him for?” he asked.
“She wants to buy something,” repeated Albert, shouting.
“She wants to--BUY--something.” It was humiliating to have to scream in this way.
“A hook, that's all. A hook for our kitchen door. Would you mind asking him to hurry? I haven't much time.”
“Eh? We don't keep books. What kind of a book?”
“Not book--HOOK. H-O-O-K! Oh, great Scott! Hook! HOOK! Hook for a door! And she wants you to hurry.”
“Eh? Well, I can't hurry now for nobody. I got to load these laths and that's all there is to it. Can't you wait on him?” Evidently the customer's sex had not yet been made clear to the Price understanding. “You can get a hook for him, can't ye? You know where they be, I showed ye. Ain't forgot so soon, 'tain't likely.”
The head disappeared behind the “two by fours.” Its face was red, but no redder than Mr. Speranza's at that moment.
“Excuse me, but you've dropped your cigarette,” observed the young lady.
Albert savagely slammed down the window and turned away. The dropped cigarette stump lay where it had fallen, smudging and smelling.
“I'd pick it up, if I were you,” she said. “Cap'n Snow HATES cigarettes.”
Albert, his dignity and indignation forgotten, returned her look with one of anxiety.
“Yes. He hates them worse than anything.”
The cigarette stump was hastily picked up by its owner.
“Where'll I put it?” he asked, hurriedly.
“Why don't you--Oh, don't put it in your pocket! It will set you on fire. Put it in the stove, quick.”
Into the stove it went, all but its fragrance, which lingered.
“Do you think you COULD find me that hook?” asked the girl.
“I'll try. _I_ don't know anything about the confounded things.”
“Here? Work HERE? ME? Well, I--should--say--NOT!”
“Oh, excuse me. I thought you must be a new bookkeeper, or--or a new partner, or something.”
Albert regarded her intently and suspiciously for some seconds before making another remark. She was as demurely grave as ever, but his suspicions were again aroused. However, she WAS pretty, there could be no doubt about that.