Most of them were unable to comply with the terms,
and begged hard to be trusted one day more. Katy was firm, for
she saw that they would be more likely to be dishonest that day,
to revenge themselves for the working of the new system.
The girls were not all dishonest, or even a majority of them, but
the plan must be applied to all. Most of them went home,
therefore, and shortly returned with money enough to buy one or
two dozen sticks. As Mrs. Redburn had predicted, the effect of
the adoption of the new plan was unfavorable for a few days. The
obstinate ones would not buy, hoping to make the wholesale dealer
go back to the old plan. After a week or two, however, they began
to come back, one by one, and the trade rather increased than
diminished; for many of the young merchants, having the
responsibility of selling out all the stock imposed upon them,
used greater exertion than before, and strong efforts almost
always produced some success.
Thus the business went on very prosperously though Mrs. Redburn
and Katy were obliged to work very hard--so hard that the former
began to experience a return of her old complaint. The
affectionate daughter was frightened when she first mentioned the
fact, and begged her not to work any more.
"What shall I do, Katy?" asked she, with a smile.
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