"I wanted rooms. I used to lodge here."

At this piece of information the man made as if he would close the
door.

"Can you tell me where I can get a room for the night?" asked Mavis.

The man by way of reply muttered something about the lady at the end
of the row wanting a lodger.

"Which hospital is Mrs Ellis at?" asked Mavis.

By way of reply, the door was slammed in her face. Mavis dragged her
weary limbs to the end house in the row, where, in reply to her
knock, a tall, pasty-faced, crossed-eyed woman, who carried an empty
jug, answered the door.

"I thought you was Mrs Bonus," remarked the woman.

"I want a room for the night. I used to lodge with Mrs Ellis at
number 20."

"Did yer? There! I do know yer face. Come inside."

Mavis followed the landlady into a faded and formal little sitting-
room, where the latter sat wearily in a chair, still clasping her
jug.

"Can I have a room?" asked Mavis.