"There were no foreigners in Greenville but the Italian road builders."
"You are prepared to place yourself absolutely at my disposal? There will, of course, be hours when I will not need you, but I shall want you within call. Moreover, if I make you a member of my household I shall feel responsible for you. You must not attempt to go about the city alone without consulting me first. That is understood?"
The girl's eyes narrowed and for an instant her lips compressed, but she replied quietly:
"Of course. I appreciate the interest you take in me, Mrs. Atterbury, and I am grateful for it. I shall do my best to please you."
A few details followed.
"Then we will consider the matter settled." The women glanced at the jeweled watch on her wrist. "How long will it take you to pack?"
"You mean you wish me to go with you at once?" The girl's face had whitened until the scar stood out in cruel clarity upon her cheek. "I had thought of taking a few days to prepare—"
"Anything you need can be purchased tomorrow." There was a hardened note of dominance in the cold voice which brooked no denial. "I am a person of quick decisions, as you will discover, Betty—that is your name, isn't it? I came to take you home with me if I found you suitable, but I cannot keep my car waiting long in this storm."
Betty rose submissively.
"I have no trunk, only two bags. It will take me only a few minutes to pack, if you will excuse me."