she was wasting her breath; the servant went on her way in complete
disregard of Mavis's wrath.

Mavis thought of trying another entrance, when a young woman came
downstairs. She had a pasty face, with a turned-up nose and large,
romantic eyes. She carried a book under her arm. When she saw Mavis,
she stopped to look curiously at her.

"I've come here to start work tomorrow. Can you tell me where I'm to
go?" asked Mavis.

"I'm in a great hurry. I've a Browning--"

"If you'll only tell me where to go," interrupted Mavis.

"It's this way," cried the girl, as she led the way up the stairs.
"I've a Browning to return to--"

"If you'll only tell me where I'm to go--"

"You'd never find it. I'd have shown you round, but I've to return a
Browning to a gentleman."

"It's very kind of you," remarked Mavis, who was wondering how much
further she had to climb.

"Do you love Browning?" asked the girl with the big eyes.

"I can't say I do."