She came about noon—a pale young girl, very slim in her limp black gown, and, at Quarren's invitation, seated herself at the newly purchased desk of the firm.
Here, at his request she took a page or two of dictation from him and typed it rapidly and accurately.
She had her own system of book-keeping which she explained to the young man who seemed to think it satisfactory. Then he asked her what salary she expected, and she told him, timidly.
"All right," he said with a smile, "if it suits you it certainly suits me. Will you begin to-morrow?"
"Whenever you wish, Mr. Quarren."
"Well, there won't be very much to do for a while," he said laughingly, "except to sit at that desk and look ornamental."
She flushed, then smiled and thanked him for giving her the position, adding with another blush that she would do her best.
"Your best," he said amiably, "will probably be exactly what we require.... Did you bring any letters?"
She hesitated: "One," she said gravely. She searched in her reticule, found it, and handed it to Quarren who read it in silence, then returned it to her.
"You were stenographer in Mr. Sprowl's private office?"