easonable to you, miss, because you're a real young
lady and not like most who thinks they are."

"Here's my first week's rent in advance. I can't say how long I shall
stay, because I may get a place where they may want me to live in the
house," said Mavis.

"It isn't the money I want so much as the company. And if you'd like me
to supply the meals, we shan't quarrel over L. s. d."

"I'm sure we shan't. I shall come in without fail tomorrow morning."

Mavis then took a bus to Kensington Church; here she got out and walked
the few yards necessary to take her to the Kensington Free Library,
where she put down the addresses of those advertising situations likely
to suit her. This task completed, she walked to Brandenburg College.
When dinner was over--the Misses Mee dined midday--Mavis wrote replies
to the advertisements. After parting with the precious pennies, which
bought the necessary stamps at the post-office, she came home to pack
her things. This took her some time, there being so many odds and ends
which had accumulated during her many years' association with the
college. As it was getting dark, she slipped out to tell the nearest
local agent for Carter Paterson to have her boxes removed the first
thing in the morning.

Hurrying back, she ran into Bella Goss, a pupil at the college, and her
father. Mr. Goss was the person who was behindhand with his account; he
supplied Miss Annie Mee with the theatre and concert tickets which were
the joy of her life.

"There's Miss Keeves!" cried Bella, at which her father raised his hat.

Bella, looking as if she wished to speak to Mavis, the latter stopped;
she shook hands with the child and bowed to Mr. Goss.

"You're leaving the college, aren't you, Miss Keeves?" asked Bella.

"Yes, dear," replied Mavis.

"Going to be married?" asked Mr. Goss, who secretly admired Mavis.

"I'm going to earn my living; at least, I hope so," said Mavis.

"Haven't you anything to do, then?" he asked.

"Nothing settled," Mavis answered evasively.

"I suppose you wouldn't care for anything in the theatrical line?"

Mavis did not think that she would.

"Or, if you want anything very badly, I might get you into a house of
business."

"Do you mean a shop?" asked Mavis.

"A big one where they employ hundreds," said Goss apologetically.

"It's awfully kind of you. I'll come to you if I really want anything
badly."

"Thank you, Miss Keeves. Good night."

"Good night. Good night