As soon as Marion was dressed she went directly to the office, hoping to learn something of her companion from the clerk behind the desk, but on her guard not to say anything that might sound as if she mistrusted her.
The man behind the desk gave her a glance of admiration, but it was plain that he saw nothing unusual in her appearance.
“She went out about daylight,” he said, in answer to her question. “She paid for the room. Do you wish to keep it any longer?”
“I hardly know yet,” answered Marion, trying not to appear green, “I’ll just have some breakfast, I think, and then I have an errand to do.”
“Oh, well, it will be here when you want it,” said the clerk good-naturedly, “and, anyway, it is yours until eleven o’clock to-night, so you’ve got all day to make up your mind. The dining-room is right in here, if you are looking for breakfast.”
Marion thanked him sweetly, and walked to a table with as much grace as a queen, although the long skirts were clumsy and made her feel a little awkward.
There were a dozen or more people just taking breakfast, and they all stared at her in such open admiration that the young girl could feel herself blushing hotly.
When she paid her bill she was glad to find a young woman at the desk. She looked pale and worn, but her face was not unkindly.
“Do you know where I could find a real cheap boarding-house, miss?” she asked timidly.
The young woman looked her over critically before she answered.