* * * * *
Mrs. Wladek, in her apartment, shrugged on an old coat and compressed
her lips with weariness. Appointment time was near, and a person had to
be punctual.
Even when a person was going to see a young girl who was strange and
frightening, and who might do--
_Well, don't be a foolish old woman_, Mrs. Wladek told herself. Rudi
would have told her that. But Rudi was out somewhere, with a girl or
with some of his friends, like a good American boy.
Don't be a foolish old woman, Rudi would have said.
But Mrs. Wladek was frightened.
* * * * *
It was nearly ten o'clock, Gloria noticed. She did not feel in the least
tired; she was still eager and ready for work. She decided she had time
for one more folder before the first of her appointments arrived.
She reached out for it and saw Mr. Fredericksohn coming in the door. He
smiled at her, a tall, white-haired man with a square face, who radiated
enormous efficiency and a certain distant friendliness.
She did not say hello, but merely nodded. Mr. Fredericksohn liked to
take the initiative himself, in all relationships.
"How are we doing today?" he said, peering over her shoulder.
"Fine," she said happily. "Just fine."