and took the room she had seen the day before. It had seemed to her a possible abiding place, at least for a few days until she could get her bearings and look about a bit. But she did not take it permanently, although the landlady tried to make her do so. “You know there’s talk we’re going to have a big munitions place put up here, and if that’s so—and I guess from all I hear it is—why, there’ll be great call for rooms. I’ve had inquiries from three or four men who are heads of departments or something, and so, if you should be wanting this for all winter, you better get your bid in now. I ain’t sure I could let it at this price if you wait too long.” Laurel looked the woman over as she was talking and decided to take the chance. The room was pleasant enough, but what of the men? Would they be unpleasant? That was a chance one took in going to a boardinghouse, of course. She didn’t mind how rough they might be, working men probably, but there might be some who would be fresh and unpleasant.
