Mavis, left alone in the motor, wondered at the strangeness of the
adventure. She knew that Mrs Hamilton was scarcely a gentlewoman--
even in the broad interpretation nowadays given to the word. But it
was not this so much as the fact of her having such hard eyes which
perplexed the girl. She had little time to dwell on this matter, as,
in a very few moments, Mrs Hamilton was again beside Mavis, and they
were speeding up Oxford Street.

"The fact is I live alone," said Mrs Hamilton. "I am in need of a
companion, young and nice-looking, like yourself. I wonder if you'd
care for the job."

"I wonder if you'd care to have me."

"I entertain a good deal, mostly gentlemen; two gentlemen are coming
to dinner to-night."

"But you don't expect me--?"

"Why not?"

"But my clothes."

"Is that all? I've some things that will suit you down to the
ground."

"You're very kind," said Mavis, as the motor, having turned into
Regent Street, whizzed past the Langham Hotel.