Esther smiled with the complete frankness which was one of her greatest assets.
"Well, doctor, I've never been abroad before, and I may never come again. It seems so stupid, having come so far, not to stay more than two weeks. I love it here. Only in order to stay I must get some work; I can't afford to be idle."
He seemed to find this reasonable, though not interesting, glancing away from her in a bored fashion.
"I see. Now about this place. What I want is a nurse who will be in attendance here from nine in the morning till six in the afternoon; someone thoroughly responsible, who will make appointments, do a little secretarial work, answer the telephone, and, of course, assist when there are examinations. The usual thing."
"Yes, doctor, I understand."
"Can you typewrite?"
"A little. I'll improve with practice."
"Know French?"
"Not too well, but I mean to study."
"It's of no great consequence, most of my patients are English. How old are you?"