Page:The Blacker the Berry - Thurman - 1929.djvu/90

 during school vacations. I have a certificate of competency.”

“’Ny reference?”

“No New York ones.”

“Where’d ya work before?”

“I—I just came to the city.”

“Where’d ya come?” R-r-ring. The telephone mercifully reiterated its insistent blare, and, for a moment, kept that pesky woman from droning out more insulting queries.

“Now,” she had finished again, “where’d ya come from?”

“Los Angeles.”

“Ummm. What other kind of work would ya take?”

“Anything congenial.”

“Waal, what is that, dishwashing, day work, nurse girl?”

Didn’t this damn woman know what congenial meant? And why should a Jewish woman be in charge of a Negro employment agency in Harlem?

“Waal, girlie, others waiting.”

“I’ll consider anything you may have on hand, if stenographic work is not available.”

“Wanta work part-time?”

“I’d rather not.”

“Awright. Sit down. I'll call you in a moment.”