Carrie’s first call was upon Mrs. Bermudez, whose address was quite the nearest. It was an old-fashioned residence turned into offices. Mrs. Bermudez’s offices consisted of what formerly had been a back chamber and a hall bedroom, marked “Private.”
As Carrie entered she noticed several persons lounging about—men, who said nothing and did nothing.
While she was waiting to be noticed, the door of the hall bedroom opened and from it issued two very mannish-looking women, very tightly dressed, and wearing white collars and cuffs. After them came a portly lady of about forty-five, light-haired, sharp-eyed, and evidently good-natured. At least she was smiling.
“Now, don’t forget about that,” said one of the mannish women.
“I won’t,” said the portly woman. “Let’s see,” she added, “where are you the first week in February?”
“Pittsburg,” said the woman.
“I’ll write you there.”
“All right,” said the other, and the two passed out.
Instantly the portly lady’s face became exceedingly sober and shrewd. She turned about and fixed on Carrie a very searching eye.
“Well,” she said, “young woman, what can I do for you?”