"It ain't often you can see the 'Scrubbs' at this time of year
'cause of the fog," remarked Miss Nippett, whose eyes were still
glued to the window.

Presently, when she drew the curtains, she looked contentedly round
the little room before saying:

"I often think that, after all, there's no place like a good 'ome."

"If you're lucky enough to have one," assented Mavis heartfully.

"Sometimes I like it even better than 'Poulter's'; you know, when
you've got a waltz in your 'ead, and 'ate it, and 'ave to play it
over and over again. But every bit of this here furniture is mine
and paid for."

"Really?" asked Mavis, feigning surprise to please her friend.

"I can show you the receipts if you don't b'lieve me."

"But I do."

"Being at the academy makes me business-like. But there! if I
haven't forgotten something; reelly I 'ave."

"What?"

"One moment: let me bring the light."