"I thought I'd astonish you," said Miss Ewer complacently.

"Let me go. This way?"

"Too grateful to thenk me! Never mind; leave it till nex' time we
meet. You can thenk me then. I thought I'd take your breath away."

"Let me out! Let me out!" cried Mavis, as she fumbled at the chain
of the front door.

"Lemme. Good night, and Gawd bless yer," said Miss Ewer, furtively
counting the gold pieces in her pocket.

Mavis did not reply.

"Thought I'd astonish yer. Fer Gawd's sake, don't whisper what I
told you to a livin' soul. An' work 'ard and keep virtuous like me.
Before Gawd, I'm as good a maid--"

These were the last words Mavis heard as she hurried away from Miss
Ewer.




CHAPTER SIXTEEN

SURRENDER