"I thought as much. I saw you outside the tea-shop and followed you
in. Is your time your own?"

"Absolutely."

"No parents or anyone?"

"I haven't a friend or relation in the world."

"Ah! I must really help you. Come with me. Let me pay for your tea."

Mavis, before she went, found time to offer up brief, heartfelt
thanks for having speedily received an answer to her prayer.




CHAPTER TWELVE

MRS HAMILTON'S


Mavis followed her new friend past the pay box, down the carpeted
stairs, into the street. She could not help seeing how bedraggled a
sparrow she appeared when contrasted with the brilliant plumage of
the woman at her side. A superb motor drew up to the pavement, from
which a man got down to open the door.

"Get inside, dear," said the woman.