“What?” Ada fairly screamed. “You want fifty dollars for that old bowl? I’ll never pay it!”
“The vase was imported from Italy, Miss, and I am afraid you must pay the price asked.”
“Do you know who I am?” Ada inquired loftily.
“I think everyone in the city knows about the Richard Tophams,” the floor manager returned wearily.
“My father owns—”
“He doesn’t own this store,” the man interrupted, with growing impatience. “If you refuse to pay for the vase I shall be forced to turn you over to the authorities.”
“You wouldn’t dare!” Ada gasped. “Never in all my life have I been insulted like this!”
Isabel, who was slightly more reasonable than her sister, now held a whispered conference with Ada.
“All right, I’ll pay for the bowl,” Ada decided, as she took out her checkbook. “But let me warn you the matter won’t be dropped here.”
She turned upon Nancy Drew and eyed her coldly.
“I’m not through with you either, young lady! You’ll pay for this outrage!”
Nancy made no reply but continued to smile pleasantly, an act which further enraged the Topham sisters. Hastily settling for the damage Ada had done, they sailed grandly out of the store.
Gratefully, the saleswoman thanked Nancy.