The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-06-05
CHAPTER. XIV.

L n cuSUOmeQ 10 Cfle SuDQue0 ugnC
Of the drawing room she discerned
a portly female figure reclining on
a gold brocade divan, a toy dog in
her arms and an open box of choc-
olates on a taboret at her side.
Good morning" she greeted, a
little at a loss for an answer to the
extraordinary reception she had
met with.
Come over close" Mrs. Germs
ner urged invitingly. "Pietro, turn
on some light. We don't need to
save on the electricity" she added
to Virginia.
The butler walked pompously to
wall switch and flooded the room
with dazzling light from a dozen
incandescent lamps in the bronze
chandelier.
cts a beautiful day e" Vir-
GINA began suggestively.
Daylight is so hard on the COM
plexion," Mrs. Gersner vetoed
promptly. "Pietro, bring a chair
for the young lady.
Virginia sat in gold chair that
matched the divan and took stock
of her prospective employer while
the latter returned the compliment.
Mrs. Gernsner was talking at the
same time.
"You have had experience in nice
houses?" she inquired a trifle
specifically, unimpressed with Vir-
ginia's elegantly plain black crepe
dress and custom-made shoes.
yes" Virginia returned simply.
"You know how to fix up swell
parties and write nice, police let
ters?"
81 believe So"
Mrs. Ciernsner cleared her throat
Don't be afraid to say something"
she told Virginia encouragingly.
Then, as Virginia's face took on
an odd expression: Maybe you
should like we we're alone" she add
ed quickly. "Pietro, leave the room,
please"
Nov, tell me how you should be
my companion" she went on, when
the splendid butler had stalked out
of the room and closed the door
none too quietly behind him.
do you mean you wish to know
my qualifications" Virginia coun-
tered. .
That's right. Talk about your
self"
well. 7 believe I'm competent in
the duties you mentioned" Vir-
ginia stated and then paused.
Go on, go on. What else?"
"My French is considered rather
good, but not my German.
Il can get along fairly we'll with
Debussy, but Beethoven and Chopin
are beyond my technique :"
That's all right" Mrs. Gerusner
broke in hurriedIy. 1--WE don't have
to invite any professional guests to
our parties. I've got plenty of
friends of my own"
what )" Virginia broke off
her ejaculation in the middle of it
and substituted an unintelligible
murmur instead.
1T told Mrs. Phelps I don't need
any one to get people to come to my
house." Mrs. Gersner explained pa
tiently.
"I quite understand" Virginia re-
piled soberly. But I think it
might be better if you would state
your requirements"
Mrs. Gernsner thought a moment.
What I want? Well, you should
read me the new novels while I'm
having my massage and manicure.
And you can help Pietro with the
flowers when we have a party =.
NIX up things nice. write out my
invitations and go with me shop
ping"
She stopped and looked at Vir-
GINA significantly. If you know
the swell places" she added as if
she doubted it very much.
ct can give you the names of some
exclusive shops"
Mrs. Gernsner frightened. "Some
places where they have chick
things" she qualified.
Virginia NODDED. would those be
all my duties?"
"Oh, don't know. Maybe I'd want
you to take the children out for a
walk or ride in the limousine
sometimes"
Haven't you a nurse?"
ooh yes, but I mean you should
take her place when she's off"
How often is that?" Virginia
had an alarming suspicion that this
position threatened to include the
duties of female factotum.