Forbes in an access of outraged virtue,"which of us three do you think she called the fowler?""Give it up,I'm sure,"returned the broker;"but I can imagine that we seemed three pretty determined giants for one small girl to outwit.""She'd outwit a regiment,sir;and I don't see how you can permit it."Mr.Evringham endeavored to compose his countenance."We must allow her religious liberty,I suppose,Mrs.Forbes.It's a matter of religion with her--that is,we must allow it as long as she keeps well.If Ballard had found her worse to-night,I assure you I should have consigned all Christian Scientists to the bottom of the sea,and that little zealot would have taken her medicine from my own hand.
All's well that ends well,eh?"
Mrs.Forbes had caught sight of the incongruous adornment of her employer's desk.
With majestic strides she advanced upon the yellow chicken and swept it into her apron."Julia must be taught not to litter your room,sir.""I beg your pardon,"returned the broker firmly,also advancing and holding out his hand."That is my chicken."Slowly Mrs.Forbes restored the confiscated property,and Mr.
Evringham examined it carefully to see that it was intact,and then set it carefully on his desk.
Mrs.Forbes recalled the confectioner's window."She must have bought that chicken when my back was turned!"she thought."That young one could have given points to Napoleon."