y
different quality.

CHAPTER V

Precisely at nine o'clock on the following morning Antonia presented
herself at the office of the new review; and was forthwith conducted to
the editor's room.

Here Owen and Barry were waiting for her; and at the sight of the trim
little figure in the doorway the faces of both men brightened.

In truth Toni was pleasant to look upon. She had taken off her hat and
coat in the little ante-room, and as she stood there in her black frock,
with its demure little white turn-down collar, she looked very young,
very shy, and if the truth must be told, very pretty. Whereupon Barry,
who loved all pretty girls in a harmless, kindly fashion, rejoiced
exceedingly; while even Owen, to whom things feminine were at present
anathema, owned to himself that she was certainly more attractive to
have about the place than her sour-faced predecessor.

It was Barry who put her at her ease, of course. Not being troubled with
shyness he greeted her in friendly fashion, bade her come in, and
pointed out to her the chair, behind the typewriter, which she was
expected to fill.

Yes, she said, in answer to questioning, she was used to a Remington.
No, she had never been connected with journalism before. Yes, she was
well up in ordinary office work, and--in answer to Owen, this--she knew
pretty well the rules of composition, grammar, etc.

"That's good." Owen spoke formally, and Toni decided instantly that she
liked Mr. Raymond the better of the two. "Well, I have here an article I
want you to type at once, and then--can you read proof?"

Blushing, she owned her inability to do so. Privately, she was not at
all sure what he meant, but dread of Miss Hardy's wrath should she be
returned to the office marked "Incompetent" forced her to add quickly:--

"But I'm sure I could learn if--if you wouldn't mind showing me how to
do it."

"I'm sure you could." Barry spoke kindly and she turned to him with a
feeling of relief. "When you have typed that article for Mr. Rose I'll
show you how, and then you'll manage all right."

"Teach her now," advised Rose, looking up from the manuscript he was
scanning. "This stuff wants a bit of revising, and you might as well do
something for your living, Barry, you lazy wretch."

Barry smilingly disclaimed any right to the title.

"I'm ready to work as hard as anyone," he said gaily.

"But as I'm only considered fit to do the theatrical criticisms and play
office-boy