hat some one in
the world said that she took an interest in his personal appearance made
him carry himself almost upright; for the brain was relieved for a while
from thinking of Maisie, who, under other circumstances, might have
given that kiss and a million others.

'Let us consider,' said he, after lunch. 'The girl can't care, and it's
a toss-up whether she comes again or not, but if money can buy her to
look after me she shall be bought. Nobody else in the world would take
the trouble, and I can make it worth her while. She's a child of the
gutter holding brevet rank as a barmaid; so she shall have everything
she wants if she'll only come and talk and look after me.' He rubbed his
newly shorn chin and began to perplex himself with the thought of her
not coming. 'I suppose I did look rather a sweep,' he went on. 'I had
no reason to look otherwise. I knew things dropped on my clothes, but
it didn't matter. It would be cruel if she didn't come. She must. Maisie
came once, and that was enough for her. She was quite right. She had
something to work for. This creature has only beer-handles to pull,
unless she has deluded some young man into keeping company with her.

Fancy being cheated for the sake of a counter-jumper! We're falling
pretty low.'

Something cried aloud within him:--This will hurt more than anything
that has gone before. It will recall and remind and suggest and
tantalise, and in the end drive you mad.

'I know it, I know it!' Dick cried, clenching his hands despairingly;
'but, good heavens! is a poor blind beggar never to get anything out of
his life except three meals a day and a greasy waistcoat? I wish she'd
come.'

Early in the afternoon time she came, because there was no young man in
her life just then, and she thought of material advantages which would
allow her to be idle for the rest of her days.

'I shouldn't have known you,' she said approvingly. 'You look as you
used to look--a gentleman that was proud of himself.'

'Don't you think I deserve another kiss, then?' said Dick, flushing a
little.

'Maybe--but you won't get it yet. Sit down and let's see what I can do
for you. I'm certain sure Mr. Beeton cheats you, now that you can't go
through the housekeeping books every month. Isn't that true?'

'You'd better come and housekeep for me then, Bessie.'

'Couldn't do it in these chambers--you know that as well as I do.'

'I know, but we might go somewhere else, if you thought it worth