The girl's expression altered slightly, but she nodded amiably; "May I sit here with you until she arrives? I am Stephanie Swift."
Valerie said: "It is very amiable of you. I am Valerie West."
Stephanie remained perfectly still for a moment; then, conscious that she was staring, calmly averted her gaze while the slow fire died out in her cheeks. And in a moment she had decided:
"I have heard so pleasantly about you through Mrs. Collis," she said with perfect composure. "You remember her, I think."
Valerie, startled, lifted her brown eyes. Then very quietly:
"Mrs. Collis is very kind. I remember her distinctly."
"Mrs. Collis retains the most agreeable memories of meeting you…. I—" she looked at Valerie, curiously—"I have heard from others how charming and clever you are—from Mr. Ogilvy?—and Mr. Annan?"
"They are my friends," said Valerie briefly.
"And Mr. Querida, and Mr. Burleson, and—Mr. Neville."
"They are my friends," repeated Valerie…. After a second she added:
"They also employ me."