smell, as if no fresh air ever got into it. Totty's chamber was a
poor, bare little retreat, with low, cracked, grimy ceiling, and one
scrap of carpet on the floor, just by the diminutive bed. On a table
lay the provisions she had that afternoon brought in from Mrs.
Bower's. On the mantel-piece was a small card, whereon was printed
an announcement of the friendly lead; at the bead stood the name of
a public-house, with that of its proprietor; then followed: 'A
meeting will take place at the above on Saturday evening, August 2,
for the benefit of Bill Mennie, the well-known barber of George
Street, who has been laid up through breaking of his leg, and is
quite unable to follow his employment at present. We the
undersigned, knowing him to be thoroughly respected and a good
supporter of these meetings, they trust you will come forward on
this occasion, and give him that support he so richly deserve, this
being his first appeal.--Chairman:--Count Bismark. Vice:--Dick
Perkins. Assisted by' (here was a long list, mostly of nicknames)
'Little Arthur, Flash Bob, Young Brummy, Lardy, Bumper, Old Tacks,
Jo at Thomson's, Short-pipe Tommy, Boy Dick, Chaffy Sam Coppock,'
and others equally suggestive.

Whilst Thyrza perused this, Totty was singing a merry song.

'I've had ten shillin's sent me to-day,' she said.

'Who by?'

'An old uncle of mine, 'cause it's my birthday to-morrow. He's a rum
old fellow. About two years ago he came and asked me if I'd go and
live with him and my aunt, and be made a lady of. Honest, he did! He
keeps a shop in Tottenham Court Road. He and father 'd quarrelled,