"You said in the advertisement that it would be suitable for a
person studying art, or for a scholarship," put in Innocent,
quickly. "And I am studying for literature."

"Are you indeed?" and the old lady waved a little hand in
courteous deprecation of all unnecessary explanation--a hand which
Innocent noticed had a delicate lace mitten on it and one or two
sparkling rings. "Well, let us sit down together and talk it over.
I have two spare rooms--a bedroom and a sitting-room--they are
small but very comfortable, and for these I have been told I
should ask three guineas a week, including board. I feel it a
little difficult"--and the old lady heaved a sigh--"I have never
done this kind of thing before--I don't know what my poor father,
Major Leigh, would have said--he was a very proud man--very proud--!"

While she thus talked, Innocent had been making a rapid
calculation in her own mind. Three guineas a week! It was more
than she had meant to pay, but she was instinctively wise enough
to realise the advantage of safety and shelter in this charming
little home of one who was evidently a lady, gentle, kindly, and
well-mannered. She had plenty of money to go on with--and in the
future she hoped to make more. So she spoke out bravely.

"I will pay the three guineas a week gladly," she said. "May I see
the rooms?"

The old lady meanwhile had been studying her with great
intentness, and now asked abruptly--