supreme test was yet to come. 'We don't send everything to the
laundry,' I began.

'I 'ope you don't,' she broke in, 'leastways my clothes. The state
they send 'em back, 'arf torn to ribbons. A girl never 'as 'er 'and
out of 'er pocket buying new things. Besides, I like a bit o'
washin'--makes a change, I always say.'

My heart began to beat so loudly with hope that I could hardly hear my
own voice as I asked, 'How . . . how soon can you come?'

'To-morrow, if you like,' she answered casually. 'I've 'ad a row with
the friend I'm stayin' with and I can't abide living-in with folks I've
fallen out with.'

I struggled to reconstruct this sentence and then, remembering what was
required of me, I remarked, 'And your references?'

She gave me the address of her last place.

'Are they on the 'phone?' I questioned eagerly. 'If so, I'll settle
the thing at once.' It seemed they were. I tottered to the telephone.
My call was answered by a woman with a thin, sharp voice.

'I am sorry,' she said in answer to my query, 'I must refuse to answer
any questions concerning Elizabeth Renshaw.'

'But you only need say "yes" or "no." Is she honest?'

'I am not in a position to give you a reply.'