Part 19 (1/2)
”It might not be safe; servants are not always to be trusted, and Mrs. Bray's rooms are locked; we can easily carry it between us. I'm strong--got good country blood in my veins. You see I'm from the country as well as you; right glad we met. Don't know what you would have done.”
And she drew the girl out, talking familiarly, as they went.
”Haven't had your dinner yet?”
”No; just arrived in the cars, and came right here.”
”You must have something to eat, then. I know a nice place; often get dinner there when I'm out.”
The girl did not feel wholly at ease. She had not yet been able to get sight of Pinky's closely-veiled features, and there was something in her voice that made her feel uncomfortable.
”I don't care for any dinner,” she said; ”I'm not hungry.”
”Well, I am, then, so come. Do you like oysters?”
”Yes.”
”Cook them splendidly. Best place in the city. And you'd like to get into a store or learn a trade?”
”Yes.”
”What trade did you think of?”
”None in particular.”
”How would you like to get into a book-bindery? I know two or three girls in binderies, and they can make from five to ten dollars a week.
It's the nicest, cleanest work I know of.”
”Oh, do you?” returned Flora, with newly-awakening interest.
”Yes; we'll talk it all over while we're eating dinner. This way.”
And Pinky turned the corner of a small street that led away from the more crowded thoroughfare along which they had been pa.s.sing.
”It's a quiet and retired place, where only the nicest kind of people go,” she added. ”Many working-girls and girls in stores get their dinners there. We'll meet some of them, no doubt; and if any that I know should happen in, we might hear of a good place. Just the thing, isn't it? I'm right glad I met you.”
They had gone halfway down the square, when Pinky stopped before the shop of a confectioner. In the window was a display of cakes, pies and candies, and a sign with the words, ”LADIES' RESTAURANT.”
”This is the place,” she said, and opening the door, pa.s.sed in, the young stranger following.
A sign of caution, unseen by Flora, was made to a girl who stood behind the counter. Then Pinky turned, saying,
”How will you have your oysters? stewed, fried, broiled or roasted?”
”I'm not particular--any way,” replied Flora.
”I like them fried. Will you have them the same way?”
Flora nodded a.s.sent.