burst into a fit of laughter.

"Well, you _are_ a flat, Bet Granger," she said--"the greenest
of the green. What can a gent like that want with a ha'penny? When I
sells evening papers--and I've made a good thing of them round Lime
Street--I never has no change; that's my way."

"Is it?" said Bet. "Well honesty's my way. I've nearly sold my papers
now, Louisa, so I'll say 'good-night.'"

"Do tell me what you made first. I ha' a mind to have a new beat--what
will you sell me yourn for?"

"Sell my beat?" said Bet--"my beat, what mother bought for me? Not
quite."

She turned on her heel, and walked down the street. At the corner, to
her great annoyance and vexation, she met her father. He was quite
sober, and came up to her at once and put his hand through her arm.
His small eyes looked keenly into her face. When he was sober he was
more or less afraid of Bet.

"So you give me the slip, my gel!" he said. "But I'm a bit too cute
for that sort of game. You'd better tell me where you ha' put those
two little boys of mine. They're my boys, not yourn, you may as well
understand. Where have you them hiding, Bet? I'll find out; so you may
as well tell me."

"I don't mind telling you, father. They're with Mother Bunch in Paradise
Row--she have the care of them now. And, listen, father--they're going