Leslie looked at the clerk.
“Certainly, miss, bring your friend.” He spoke in a respectful tone, and ushered the girls into a small and comfortably furnished apartment. Having supplied them with a newspaper each, he left them.
“This suspense is almost intolerable,” said Annie. “You promise, Leslie, that you will plead very, very hard.”
“I will do my best,” answered Leslie.
“But I know you are hating it,” said poor Annie. “I see it in your face.”
“Don’t talk to me about that, Annie. I have made up my mind; but I cannot, cannot talk it over with you.”
Just then the door was opened, and Mr. Parker himself came in. He glanced at Annie in some annoyance and surprise, and gave Leslie that cold, level glance which had almost broken her heart on the day of the picnic.
“I understand that you want to speak to me?” he said.
Leslie rose.
“I do,” she said. “Can I see you by yourself?”