simple, I feel that I might just as well prepare them myself. Would
you object to my doing so in this room? A kettle and a saucepan are
really all--absolutely all--that I should need to use. As I
shall be much at home, it will be of course necessary for me to have
a fire.'

In the course of half an hour an agreement had been devised which
seemed fairly satisfactory to both parties.

'I'm not one of the graspin' ones,' remarked the landlady. 'I think
I may say that of myself. If I make five or six shillings a week out
of my spare room, I don't grumble. But the party as takes it must do
their duty on _their_ side. You haven't told me your name yet, mum.'

'Miss Madden. My luggage is at the railway station; it shall be
brought here this evening. And, as I am quite unknown to you, I
shall be glad to pay my rent in advance.'

'Well, I don't ask for that; but it's just as you like.'

'Then I will pay you five and sixpence at once. Be so kind as to let
me have a receipt.'

So Miss Madden established herself at Lavender Hill, and dwelt there
alone for three months.

She received letters frequently, but only one person called upon
her. This was her sister Monica, now serving at a draper's in
Walworth Road. The young lady came every Sunday, and in bad weather
spent the whole day up in the little bedroom. Lodger and landlady