"You? Well, I don't know, I'm sure. Can you type?"
"Not at all. But I daresay I could soon learn."
"Oh well! I couldn't give you much salary if you are only a beginner."
"I shouldn't want any salary," said "Lilac Eyes"; but added quickly, as she saw the other's look of amazement: "At least, not for some months. If you would allow me to use your machine for my own work sometimes I should be repaid."
At this Sophie had neither the wit nor the patience to conceal her satisfaction. Her haughty air departed and she beamed with delight. She had suddenly seen a clear way through a very difficult impasse.
"You'll suit me down to the ground," she declared joyfully. "When can you move in?"
"Move in?" the other gave her a wondering smile. "Oh, I couldn't come to live—only for a few hours every day."
Sophie's face clouded again, but in a moment her eyes took on the absorbed look of a person who is rapidly reviewing a difficult situation. Presently she said:
"Well, perhaps that wouldn't matter so much if you wouldn't mind pretending sometimes that you live here."
The other girl looked puzzled.