She marveled at Irene’s poise, and envied her the light ironic flick she gave to the business of bargain and sale. Irene complained in the most ladylike manner of the chicken salad, which Grace had thought very good. The head-waitress listened respectfully and offered to substitute something else, but Irene declined, with the indifference of one to whom petty annoyances are merely incidental and to be mentioned merely for the good of the service.
As they ate their chocolate eclairs Grace became impatient to broach the matter of her own ambition to become a factor in Shipley’s, but it seemed a pity to break in upon Irene, who went on tranquilly discussing their old companions of high school days. Presently, after paying the checks, she brought her wrist watch within range of her eyes with a graceful gesture, and disposed of the matter with characteristic ease.
“I’ve spoken to Miss Lupton—she manages our employment bureau—about you. She’s a very good friend of mine; and I mentioned you to Miss Boardman, the head of my department. I didn’t wait to ask where you’d rather be; but of course I’d like to have you with me. I can’t just see you in the toilet goods or infants’ wear. They’re pretty full in all departments, but I think I’ve got you fixed.”
“Oh, Irene——”
“All you do is to fill out an application blank—they always require that—and give two references. You’ve had no experience, but your figure and general intelligence will more than balance that. They do their best to keep the standard high and it won’t be lost on them that you’re of good family and have taken a whirl at college.”
“I’m certainly obliged to you, Irene. I didn’t know it would be as easy as this—but”—she laughed, “they haven’t seen me yet!”
“Don’t fish! Your appearance is nothing to complain of; you know that as well as I do. It will be fine to have you where we can talk and play together as we did in school. Between us we ought to be able to give tone to our end of the shop!”
IV
Miss Lupton received Grace amiably, asked her a few questions, and pushed a blank toward her.
“We always require this; it’s just a matter of routine,” she explained, and as Grace filled in the blank she looked at Irene and nodded her approval of the candidate.