Long before the afternoon was over, Polly had made up her mind that this girl would be valuable and likewise agreeable. She liked her, liked her lovely face and her husky, oddly touching voice, liked the character which she so ingenuously displayed. Here was a girl passionately anxious to please, yet without servility, who was at once ignorant and intelligent; one whom she could command, yet on whom she could lean. However, she didn’t show any such approval. Who would, indeed, toward a person being employed? IV The light had all faded out of the sky, and the big room was nearly dark. To Angelica, who never sat still, who was not formed for meditation, it was depressing to remain there in the deepening twilight, with no idea how much longer this wretchedness would endure. Polly didn’t stir; all the house was still. Her imprisonment was terminated by the sudden entrance of Mr. Eddie. "Light the lamp!" he cried sharply. "You’re an idiot, Polly, to sit here in the dark like this! You--Miss What’s-Your-Name--you mustn’t let her. It’s very bad for her. Try to keep her cheerful." He had turned a switch as he spoke, and five electric lights had flashed on, making the room as brilliant as a stage. He looked anxiously at Polly. "Eating better?" he asked. "I’ve brought you some oysters--something rather special. Are you coming down?" "Not to-night, Eddie, thank you; but I’ll enjoy the oysters. Is your mother home yet?" "No. I shan’t wait for her. I told Annie an early dinner. Half-past six sharp, miss! I’ve brought home a lot of work to do." He went out again, with a curt nod at Angelica. "You’d better get ready," said Polly. "He’s not very patient. He doesn’t like to be kept waiting." "I am ready," said Angelica. "I haven’t any better clothes to put on." She had risen, and was standing near the door. She knew that Polly wished her to go, but still she lingered, miserable but resolute. "Did I do all right to-day?" she blurted out. Polly opened her eyes. "Why, certainly, my dear," she said. "Would you mind putting out all the lights but one?" "But doesn’t he want it cheerful?" "I think it ’ll be more cheerful that way," Polly answered, with a faint smile. "Now, then--thank you! I think I’ll rest until dinner-time." "But were you satisfied with me?" insisted Angelica. "Of course I was." "Well, do you want me to stay? Because he’s coming to talk it over with you. Will you tell him that you want me?" "Yes," said Polly. "I do want you--very much!" CHAPTER SIX I Angelica was very nervous about having dinner with Mr. Eddie. He was obviously fastidious and hard to please, and she hadn’t the vaguest idea what his standards might be. She did what she could with her appearance; she washed her hands and face and brushed her hair, and then, having no watch or clock to advise her, went down-stairs.