Now, she was to earn fifteen pounds a year and "live in," a term
meaning that "Dawes'" would provide her with board and lodging; she
might, also, add to her salary by commissions on sales. The effort
of packing her belongings took her mind from brooding over troubles,
real or imaginary, and served to heighten her spirits. Mrs Ellis'
words, also, put heart into her.

"People will take to a nice-mannered, well-spoken, fine-looking
young lady like you, miss," she said to Mavis.

"Nonsense!" replied Mavis.

"It ain't, miss. I've kep my eyes open, and I see how young ladies,
such as you, either go 'up' or go 'down.' You're one of the 'go
uppers,' and now you've a chance, why, you might, one day, have a
business of your own."

"Mind you come and deal with me if I do. You shall always have
'tick' for as much as you like."

"Thank you very much, miss; but I couldn't enjoy wearing a thing if
I didn't know it was paid for. I should think everyone was looking
at it."

"Time to talk about that when I get my own business."

"And if things go wrong, which God forbid, you've always a home
here!"