"I can't afford to wait," she said. "I could wait forever, as far as Mr. Marshall is concerned, but I can see that his aunt is becoming impatient. She thinks it is time that something really began."
"What does she suggest, my dear?"
"Nothing. That's the worst of it. She leaves it all to me. She is so confident that I know everything there is to know about such matters. She wants me to go right ahead with anything I decide upon. And if I ever express any doubt about what to do first, she begins talking about those wonderful references of mine—yours—and says that any young woman with such an experience is competent to take full charge without suggestions from anybody. And I don't know how to start, Nell, or what to do."
"She is really impressed by the references, is she?" mused Nell.
"Tremendously."
"Then it's certain you've got to make good."
"Oh, absolutely. So that's why I've come to bother you."
Nell was thoughtfully regarding a plate of white grapes that lay on her lap.
"So tell me how to start him off," said Mary.
"H-m; let's see now. I never launched a man in society," said Nell, wrinkling her nose. "I never was secretary to a man, you know. I imagine they may be more difficult than girls."