Daniel Legan stretched, crunching his joints, and took off his glasses. Another candidate for maid for Candy will have to come soon.

Lounging in the armchair in Legan's house in Chicago, Neil put his feet on the table and unbuttoned his shirt. The jacket was already casually lying on the floor.

The man yawned and sipped a little brandy from the glass. Usually he was not fond of it, but this entourage was also suitable for a small trial. Then Neil rang the bell and briefly said to the servant.

'Please.'

'Mrs. Brown, Mr. Daniel!'

A young woman, whose look spoke of exceptional helpfulness and high experience, entered the room. Smooth black hair were brushed into a low topknot, eyes were lowered, the black dress looked neat and clean.

The girl made a curtsey.

'Greetings, Gladys,' Neil smiled, provoking the girl for familiarity, calling her by name.

'Good afternoon, Mr. Daniel.'

If Gladys was surprised to see blue-and-yellow bruises on the face of the future host, she did not show anything, only her eyelashes quivered a little.

But Neil decided to develop this topic.

'I had a fight with one actor,' he grinned, slightly shifting the armchair to sit comfortably. 'You see, I sometimes fight with representatives of this profession, it, you know, brings a little excitement to life.'

No muscle moved on Miss Brown's impassive face.

'I understand, Mr. Daniel,' she said calmly.

'I saw your recommendations, Gladys,' Legan continued. 'They are all exceptionally positive. But why did you decide to leave the good old England and serve here, in America?'

'It would be a great honor for me to serve the relatives of the Andrew family.'

Neil stretched in the chair once again so that through his unbuttoned shirt she could see the naked body.

'Sometimes I like to walk around the house naked,' he said casually. 'I read that the skin also breathes like a nose, for example. And in any case, clothes is like fetters.'

Gladys did not look up.

'Your home is your fortress, Mr. Daniel,' she said dispassionately. 'It's up to you how to walk being at home.'

'And you're not shocked by this?'

'My duty is to serve your future wife. The rest should not concern me.'

'By the way, what about my future wife. She was an orphan and was brought up in an orphanage. I think it will not be easy for you to serve her, she's used to doing everything without help.'

'I will treat your wife with due respect, which she deserves, bearing the name of Legan. I can cope with it.'

Daniel lowered his legs and looked at the girl with a serious look.

'I like you, Gladys. I had great, very great difficulties with servants.'

'It's all American independence, Mr. Daniel, if you're interested in my opinion.'

'Yes, probably, you are right. My servants directly tell me what to do, and some do not even approve of my actions.'

'It sounds terrible, Mr. Daniel.'

'They gossip about me and my wife...'

'It's completely unacceptable, Mr. Daniel.'

'Do you have girlfriends?'

'No, Mr. Daniel. Only husband and daughter. I'm not very sociable.'

Neil got up and walked to the girl, buttoning his shirt while walking.

'I like you more and more, Gladys. And what does your husband do?'

'He's a valet, Mr. Daniel.'

'If he comes to me, I'll employ him.'

'Thank you, Mr. Daniel!'

'I will pay you as much as you requested, Mrs. Brown,' Legan said, in a changed tone. 'But my terms will be very tough - do not talk and do not gossip. Of course, I do not walk naked around the house, but it makes me very angry, when servants poke their noses into other people's business. Very, very angry.'

'I dare say you had some bad servants, Mr. Daniel.'

'You're absolutely right. You will take up your duties in two months. Rather, in sixty days.'

'I see, Mr. Daniel.'