ld need to use. As I shall be much at
home, it will be of course necessary for me to have a fire.'

In the course of half an hour an agreement had been devised which
seemed fairly satisfactory to both parties.

'I'm not one of the graspin' ones,' remarked the landlady. 'I think I
may say that of myself. If I make five or six shillings a week out of
my spare room, I don't grumble. But the party as takes it must do their
duty on _their_ side. You haven't told me your name yet, mum.'

'Miss Madden. My luggage is at the railway station; it shall be brought
here this evening. And, as I am quite unknown to you, I shall be glad
to pay my rent in advance.'

'Well, I don't ask for that; but it's just as you like.'

'Then I will pay you five and sixpence at once. Be so kind as to let me
have a receipt.'

So Miss Madden established herself at Lavender Hill, and dwelt there
alone for three months.

She received letters frequently, but only one person called upon her.
This was her sister Monica, now serving at a draper's in Walworth Road.
The young lady came every Sunday, and in bad weather spent the whole
day up in the little bedroom. Lodger and landlady were on remarkably
good terms; the one paid her dues with exactness, and the other did
many a little kindness not bargained for in the original contract.

Time went on to the spring of '88. Then, one afternoon, Miss Madden
descended to the kitchen and tapped in her usual timid way at the door.

'Are you at leisure, Mrs. Conisbee? Could I have a little conversation
with you?'

The landlady was alone, and with no more engrossing occupation than the
ironing of some linen she had recently washed.

'I have mentioned my elder sister now and then. I am sorry to say she
is leaving her post with the family at Hereford. The children are going
to school, so that her services are no longer needed.'

'Indeed, mum?'

'Yes. For a shorter or longer time she will be in need of a home. Now
it has occurred to me, Mrs. Conisbee, that--that I would ask you
whether you would have any objection to her sharing my room with me? Of
course there must be an extra payment. The room is small for two
persons, but then the arrangement would only be temporary. My sister is
a good and experienced teacher, and I am sure she will have no
difficulty in obtaining another engagement.'

Mrs. Conisbee reflected, but without a shade of discontent. By this
time she knew that her lodger was thoroughly to be