Dollie was rushed up to the top floor at such speed that it made her head swim a little. She had not begun to get used to the velocity exhibited by an ambitious elevator.
She wandered around the halls for some little time before she finally discovered a door with the number 1019 on it.
She tapped on the door gently, but there was no response except a giggle or two from some one within, so summoning her courage she pushed it open. There were a dozen young ladies in the room, apparently waiting for some one.
“Come right in, don’t be bashful,” cried one frowsy-headed girl. “His job-lots is passing on a strawberry blonde. He’ll be out in a minute. They are in the private office.”
The other girls all tittered as Dollie smiled pleasantly. She sat down on the edge of a chair, with her heart beating wildly.
“What do you suppose his game is, anyway?” asked one of the girls in a low voice.
“Is it straight, do you think, or just another case of flim-flam?”
“Give it up,” was the answer from the girl addressed. “Wait ’til blondie comes out. I hope it’s straight, tho’.”
She sighed as she spoke and Dollie glanced at her quickly. She was pale and thin, and there was a hectic flush on her hollow cheeks. There was no shadow of doubt that she was a victim of consumption.
Just then one of the girls who was sitting near the door to the private office, gave a little scream.