don't tell me. I ain't lived forty--twenty-six years for nothink."

Mavis did not think it worth while to argue the point.

"What time is it?" she asked.

"'Alf-past two. I suppose I shall 'ave to keep you till the
morning."

"I'll go directly. I can knock my landlady up."

"She's one of the right sort, eh? Ask no questions, but stick it on
the rent!"

"If my head wasn't so bad, I'd go at once," remarked Mavis, who
liked Miss Ewer less and less.

The woman took no notice of Mavis' ungracious speech: she was
staring hard at Mavis' shoes.

"Fancy wearin' that lovely dress with them tuppenny shoes!" cried
Miss Ewer suddenly.

"They are rather worn."

"Oh, you young fool! Beginner, I s'pose."

"I beg your pardon."

"Must be. No one else could be such a fool. Don't you know the