‘You’re describing the Remington tabulator,’ she said coldly.
‘Oh, but, pardon me, mademoiselle. You surely don’t mean that? I have been told this is quite new.’
‘You have been told wrongly. I ought to know, for I have been using one the very same, as what you say is yours, for several weeks.’
‘You don’t say so, mademoiselle? That means that I have been forestalled and all my work has been wasted.’
La Touche’s disappointment was so obvious that the girl thawed slightly.
‘You’d better call at the Remington depot and ask to see one of their new machines. Then you can compare their tabulator with yours.’
‘Thank you, mademoiselle, I’ll do so to-morrow. Then you use a Remington?’
‘Yes, a No. 10.’
‘Is that an old machine? Pardon my questions, but have you had it long?’
‘I can’t tell you how long it has been at the office. I am only there myself six or seven weeks.’