The landlady followed, and as she saw the strange guest she gazed at her in frank curiosity.
“You want a room, I s’pose,” she began. “But, I’m sorry to say we haven’t one vacant—”
“Oh, I’ll take Letty’s. She didn’t come, you see, so I can take her room for tonight.”
“Letty wouldn’t like that.”
“But I would. And I’m here and Letty isn’t. Shall we go right up?”
Picking up her small suitcase, the girl started and then stepped back for the woman to lead the way.
“Not quite so fast—if you please. What is your name?”
As the landlady’s tone changed to a sterner inflection, the girl likewise grew dignified.
“My name is Anita Austin,” she said, coldly. “I came here because I was told it was the best house in Corinth.”
“Where are you from?”