“Twenty-four,” said Esther.
“Humph! And what have you done up till now?”
Esther flushed.
“I was in the workroom at Eldred’s. The manager has promised to give me a reference, but–––”
“Eldred’s!” the sharp gaze wavered a little. “And why did you leave there, may I ask?”
“I left to get married, but–––”
“But you are not married, of course.”
“No.”
“Nor going to be?”
“Not for the present, but–––”