Her one pronounced fault was a bad temper, and on this particular morning that fault was conspicuous.
As she carried the hats from the cases to the window, which she was decorating with the festive millinery of the spring, she looked as if she were resisting an impulse to throw Madame's choicest confections at the jovial figure of the traffic policeman.

Gabriella, who was used to what she called the "peculiarities" of the forewoman, said "good morning" with her bright amiability, and hurried back to the dim regions where she changed from her street suit to the picturesque French gown which she wore in the showroom.

When she came out again Miss Smith had finished ornamenting the white pegs in the window, and was vigorously upbraiding a messenger boy who had delivered a parcel at the wrong door.
"You are always so prompt," remarked Gabriella cheerfully, as she arranged the hats in the front room.

Her rule of business conduct was simple, and consisted chiefly of the precept that whatever happened she must keep her temper.

Never once, never even in Madame's most trying moments, had she permitted herself to appear angry, and her strict adherence to this resolution had established her in an enviable position of authority.