She had dark piercing eyes and stared at Nancy almost impudently.
Nancy resisted an impulse to shut the door in her face. She did not like the girl’s sly look. On the other hand, she thought that it might not be fair to judge by appearances alone. Accordingly, she smiled pleasantly and invited the girl into the living room.
The stranger seated herself on the davenport, and to Nancy’s amazement proceeded to look the house over most critically, darting quick little glances from one room to another.
“She’s prying,” Nancy thought. Aloud she said: “What is your name?”
“Mary Mason.”
“Can you furnish references?”
The girl made no response, but from a dirty pocketbook brought out an envelope and handed it to Nancy. The envelope contained several references and Nancy glanced quickly over them. To her surprise, the girl came highly recommended from her former employers, and it appeared that she had held responsible positions. Nancy had been on the verge of dismissing the girl, but in the face of such excellent references she hesitated. She was not favorably impressed with Mary Mason, for the girl had a harsh face and a bold manner, but she knew that in all probability it would be impossible to find another girl before Saturday. She was left no choice in the matter.
“You appear quite young to take complete charge of the household,” Nancy began doubtfully. “Do you feel sure you could manage the work? Of course I will direct you until you learn the routine.”
Mary Mason tossed her head contemptuously.
“I always work without direction.”