The tall girl glanced at the slip of paper.
“It’s just over there, two doors from that corner,” she said. Elsie turned to cross the street. The tall girl stood still regarding her thoughtfully. Suddenly she seemed to reach a decision. She darted forward and stopped Elsie.
“It’s none of my business, kid,” she said, “but what do you want of Mother Lankee?”
Elsie looked at her in surprise. “Why,” she said pitifully, “I expect to get work there.”
“Do you know the kind of work Mother Lankee would ask you to do?”
“I don’t know, but I’m willing to do anything.”
“Anything?” repeated the tall girl.
“Why, yes. I’ve got to the point where I can’t afford to be particular.”
The tall girl laid her hand on Elsie’s arm.
“What is your name?”