“Looks good, doesn’t it?” commented Marjorie.
“Sure, sure,” said Holton, looking at his plate with distaste.
Kuppelton ordered veal and Marjorie left.
Kuppelton looked at Ruth. She was dark, with a big nose and with self-pitying eyes. Her complexion was oily and she wore too much make-up. Ruth liked all men; she was sitting very close to Robert Holton now.
“Any interesting people come into the office?” asked Holton, turning to Ruth: as receptionist she was always able to tell them about celebrities.
Ruth nodded. “Laura Whitner was in to see Mr Heywood.”
Caroline was interested. “She’s the movie star, isn’t she?”
Ruth nodded again, a birdlike motion. “Why, she used to be one of the biggest stars. I used to go see all her pictures. My gracious, they were wonderful.”
Marjorie Ventusa returned with veal for Kuppelton and the ham and eggs for Ruth.
“Oh, thank you,” said Ruth. “I love ham,” she added.