person. Presently, the clattering of a pail was heard, a sound which
gradually came nearer. In due course, the malformed creature
appeared at the foot of the stairs.

"I've come," said Mavis to this person.

"'Ave yer?"

The person vanished, seemingly through the floor.

Mavis was taken aback by the woman's rudeness; even to this
creature, shop-girls were, apparently, of small account. By and by,
Mavis heard her clumping up from below. When she appeared, Mavis put
authority into her voice as she said:

"Can I see anyone here?"

"If you've any eyes in your 'ead," snorted the servant, as she
disappeared from view.

Still no one came. Mavis was making up her mind to explore the
downstair regions when the footfalls of the rude person were heard
coming down.

"I've been waiting quite ten minutes," Mavis began angrily, as the
person came in view.

"'Ave yer?"

"Look here, I'm not used to be answered like that," Mavis began; but