“Surely that is enough,” Nancy said a trifle impatiently.
“Oh, I suppose it’ll have to do; but it’s not as much as I should have.”
“I noticed in your references that you had been receiving only twelve dollars a week.”
Mary Mason looked confused as though she had been trapped.
“Well, fifteen will do I guess.”
“Then, if you are satisfied with the wage I will tell you something of the work. I am sure you will not find it particularly difficult; but as I stated, I am rather exacting about details. You see, because of my father’s position it is necessary for us to do a great deal of entertaining.”
“I’ll have no trouble,” the girl returned indifferently.
“Then I guess there is nothing more I need tell you until later. I will have your room ready for you when you return this afternoon with your things.”
Mary Mason arose to depart. She sauntered across the floor, casting a last appraising glance about the room. Nancy escorted her to the door and as she opened it recalled that she had neglected to mention her own name.
“I am Nancy Drew,” she said pleasantly.
Mary Mason’s indifferent attitude vanished as if by magic.
“Nancy Drew?” she repeated tensely.
“Why, yes. You’ve heard of me perhaps?”