She entered the dining-room. The girl was sitting in the arm-chair now, and stood up nervously as Pamela came in. She was a pale, thin girl, with large dark eyes and black hair, and her movements were nervous and jerky. She wore a dark-coloured skirt and a white silk blouse with short sleeves to the elbow, which made her look very cold, and emphasized the thinness of her arms.
The two girls gazed at each other for a second, then Pamela gave a friendly smile.
"As there's no one here to introduce us, we'll introduce ourselves, shall we? I'm Pamela Heath," she said.
"I'm Beryl Cranswick," said the girl, smiling shyly.
Pamela held out her hand, and they shook hands.
"I'm so glad to meet you," said Pamela. "I suppose we are the first two to arrive."
"I suppose so," said Beryl, which did not help matters forward at all.
"What time did you arrive?" asked Pamela. "I came by the four o'clock train from Marylebone."
"I arrived here this afternoon about three," Beryl informed her.
"Oh, you've been here a long time then—it's just gone six now. I didn't know you were here when I came—they didn't mention it to me.... But have you had any tea yet?"