e fallen on a pretty perch,
my dear, an' you can thank Gawd you ain't got with some as I could
mention."

By this time, they had got into the room, where the landlady lighted
one jet of a dirty chandelier.

"There now!" cried the landlady triumphantly.

Mavis looked about her at the gilt-framed glass over the mantelpiece,
the table, the five chairs (including one arm), the sofa and the
chiffonnier, which was pretty well all the furniture that the room
contained. The remains of a fire untidied the grate; the flimsiest
curtains were hung before the windows. The landlady was quick to notice
the look of disappointment on the girl's face.

"See the bedroom, my dear, before you settle."

This proved to be even less inviting than the sitting-room: hardly any
of the furniture was perfect; a dirty piece of stuff was pinned across
the window; dust lay heavy on toilet glass and mantel. Happily
contrasted with this squalor was the big bed, which was invitingly
comfortable and clean.

Mavis was very tired; she looked longingly at the bed, with its
luxurious, lace-fringed pillows. The landlady marked her indecision.

"It's very cheap, miss."

"What do you call cheap?"

"Two guineas a week; light an' coals extry."

"Two guineas a week!"

"You've perfec' liberty to bring in who you like."

Mavis stared at her in astonishment.

"An' no questions asked, my dear."

Mavis wondered if the woman were in her right senses.

"I thought you'd jump at it," she went on. "I could see it when you saw
the bed. The gentlemen like a nice clean bed."

Mavis understood; clutching her bag, she walked to the door.

"Not goin' to 'ave 'em?" screeched the landlady.

Mavis hurried on.

"Guinea a week and what extries you like. There!"

Mavis ran down the stairs.

"Won't they give you more than five shillings?" shouted the woman over
the banisters as Mavis reached the door.

"I s'pose your beat is the Park," the woman shrieked, as Mavis ran down
the steps.

Mavis ran a few yards, to stop short. She trembled from head to foot;
tears scalded her eyes, which, with a great effort, she kept back. She
was crushed with humiliation and shame. At once she thought of the
loved one, and how deeply he would resent the horrible insult to which
his tenderly loved little Mavis had been subjected. But there was no
time for vain imaginings. With the landlady's foul insinuations ringing
in her ears, she set about looking for a house where she migh