"Mr Poulter. Who else d'ye think I meant?"

Three days later, Mavis severed her connection with "Poulter's."
Upon her going, Mr Poulter presented her with a signed photograph of
himself in full war-paint, an eulogistically worded testimonial,
also, an honorarium (this was his word) of five shillings. Mavis was
loth to take it; but seeing the dancing-master's distress at her
hesitation, she reluctantly pocketed the money.

Miss Nippett also gave her a specially taken photograph of herself.

"Where's your shawl?" asked Mavis, who missed this familiar adjunct
from the photograph.

"I took it off to show off me figure. See?" replied Miss Nippett
confidentially.

Mr Poulter asked Mavis if she had further employment in view. She
knew how poor he was; also, that if she told him she was workless,
he would probably insist on retaining her services, although he
could not afford to do so. Mavis fibbed to Mr Poulter; she hoped
that her consideration for his poverty would atone for the lie.

For five weeks Mavis vainly tried to get work. She soon discovered
how, when possible employers considered her application, the mere
mention of her being at "Dawes'" was enough to spoil her chances of
securing an engagement.

She had spent all her money; she was now living on the sum she had