Page:O Genteel Lady! (1926).pdf/237

 The two young women gazed at each other in a white heat of hatred, jealousy, and suspicion. For a moment Lanice thought of snatching the stack of letters from the girl's hand. A young clerk with a pen over his ear came through the swinging door that led to the publisher's.

'If, ma'am, you'd like it,' he said, 'and intend to call upon the Laureate, Mr. Clapyard will give you a letter to introduce you.'

Lanice turned to go upstairs.

'You will tell Mr. Clapyard?' asked Effie.

'No.'

'Do not dare.'

'No—' and she smiled a very little. So defeated, she turned and again went upstairs.