He thought he saw an easy chance for a little flirtation.
"Sit down," he said, pulling a chair forward from the side of his desk and dropping his voice so that the two men in the room should not hear.
Those two gave each other the suggestion of a wink.
"Well, I'll be going, Barney," said one, breaking away and so addressing the manager.

"See you this afternoon." "All right," said the manager.
The remaining individual took up a paper as if to read.
"Did you have any idea what sort of part you would like to get ?" asked the manager softly.
"Oh, no," said Carrie.

"I would take anything to begin with." "I see," he said.

"Do you live here in the city ?" "Yes, sir." The manager smiled most blandly.
"Have you ever tried to get in as a chorus girl ?" he asked, assuming a more confidential air.
Carrie began to feel that there was something exuberant and unnatural in his manner.
"No," she said.
"That's the way most girls begin," he went on, "who go on the stage.
It's a good way to get experience." He was turning on her a glance of the companionable and persuasive manner.
"I didn't know that," said Carrie.
"It's a difficult thing," he went on, "but there's always a chance, you know." Then, as if he suddenly remembered, he pulled out his watch and consulted it.

"I've an appointment at two," he said, "and I've got to go to lunch now.