CHAPTER 2“The goods!”
In these two terse words The Early Bird epitomized his hastily revised opinion of “Desperate” as he opened the door of Mr. Clackworthy’s apartment in response to her ring. One glance was sufficient to dissipate his suspicions and convince him that she was a sharer of neither men nor dollars.
Mr. Clackworthy laid aside a volume of Emerson’s “Essays” and received his visitor with a courteous bow. She was brisk and businesslike without it detracting from her feminine charm. Her gaze was cool and appraising, giving evidence of a practical mind; yet she had an oval face and dimples.
“Are you Mr. Clackworthy?” she questioned. “I am here in answer to your note; yes, I am ‘Desperate.’ My name is Edith Harley.”
“I am pleased to meet you, Miss Harley,” Clackworthy said, sha
