Page:Girls of Central High on the Stage.djvu/191

Rh body else to send. Bob and Betty, and Charlemagne, air either at school or to work"

"Where is your husband?" asked Laura, briskly. "Is he working?"

"Off an' on," said the woman, but looking at the visitors a little doubtfully.

"Engaged just at present?" pursued Laura.

"Look here, Miss," said Mrs. Plornish, "air you charity visitors? Though you be young."

"We have nothing to do with charities," Laura said. "We just came to help Maggie. I didn't know but I might know of something for your husband to do if he is out of work."

"He ain't. He's got a job right now. And I guess it will turn out to be a good one," spoke Mrs. Plornish, and she smiled with sudden satisfaction.

"It seems to please you, Mrs. Plornish," said Jess, quickly. "I hope you will not be disappointed. Where is he working?"

"Oh, this job o' work is goin' to take him out o' town for a while," returned the woman, doubtfully.

"Indeed? To Lumberport?" asked the insistent Jess.

"No."

"To Keyport, then?"

"I can't tell you. It—it's a secret—that is,