There she found other girls ahead of her, applicants like herself, but with more of that self-satisfied and independent air which experience of the city lends; girls who scrutinised her in a painful manner.

After a wait of perhaps three-quarters of an hour, she was called in turn.
"Now," said a sharp, quick-mannered Jew, who was sitting at a roll-top desk near the window, "have you ever worked in any other store ?" "No, sir," said Carrie.
"Oh, you haven't," he said, eyeing her keenly.
"No, sir," she replied.
"Well, we prefer young women just now with some experience.

I guess we can't use you." Carrie stood waiting a moment, hardly certain whether the interview had terminated.
"Don't wait!" he exclaimed.

"Remember we are very busy here." Carrie began to move quickly to the door.
"Hold on," he said, calling her back.

"Give me your name and address.