I waited until the last moment, hoping against hope. Then, with a groan of despair, I seized luggage and raincoat, made for the door and flung it open, only to find myself face to face with an attractive young girl, apparently on the point of pressing the electric button.
"I'm sorry," I said, "but I have a train to catch."
She was noticeably attractive in her storm-coat and pretty hat, and I really was sorry—so sorry that I added:
"I have about twenty-seven seconds to place at your service before I go."
"Twenty will be sufficient," she replied, pleasantly. "I saw your advertisement for a stenographer—"
"We require a man," I interposed, hastily.
"Have you engaged him?"
"N-no."
We looked at each other.