Mrs. Goldring coughed.
“Well,” Carlotta finished lamely, “I’m very glad that she’s no longer connected with Everett’s office. I always thought she had a certain air of possessive intimacy. Good heavens, one would have thought she owned the office.”
“She always seemed very conscious of her sex,” Mrs. Goldring said, in the impersonal manner of one who has been so completely detached from mundane affairs that human relationships have ceased to have any great meaning. “She was very provocative in her manner — I mean sexually provocative.”
“Mother’s terribly upset,” Carlotta said. “I’ll do the talking.”
Bertha half turned so as to face Carlotta.
Carlotta had the manner of a young woman who has been kept somewhat in the background of life, and then, in a time of great emotional stress, comes forward to prove herself capable of accepting responsibilities. She seemed to enjoy the role very much, and quite apparently had definitely accepted full and complete charge of the situation.
“A matter has arisen, Mrs. Cool, on which we will want your assistance.”
Bertha said, “Will, that might be arranged, if I could do you some good. In my business I tell all my clients that I prefer not to accept one penny from them unless I can do them some good. I’ve found that quite frequently a percentage arrangement works to advantage. You know, get a percentage of what you bring in. In that way I can afford to devote every minute of my time to their work.”
Bertha paused hopefully.
Carlotta Goldring said quickly, “Yes indeed, Mrs. Cool, I’m sure that you give your clients the very best that you have in you.”