Leslie!" she cried as he entered the room "I am so glad you have
come" and saying this she fell back in a chair and fainted dead away.

Leslie caught hold of the water jug and wetting a sponge applied it to
her white face, and by this and the aid of smelling saults, Sylvia soon
revived.

"I am so nervous" she said "Oh Leslie shall we ever get away in safety?"

"Yes dearest yes" whispered the lover, "trust me darling and you will be
alright."

"I am ready now" said Sylvia in a weak voice as she put a packet of
biscuits into her bundle.

"I'll carry your luggage" said Leslie picking up her bundle which was
tied in a white tablecloth.

Sylvia had been more particular than Leslie as to her luggage. Besides
all her under-linen she had with her two pairs of clean sheets and
pillow cases, some bath towels and soap, likewise a sponge and a yard of
flannel (in case she lost any) a flask of brandy, some new potatoes and
a tooth brush.

Sylvia's window opened into the lawn so it was easy to escape and once
off the high road she and Leslie felt safe.

CHAPTER 7

THE LODGINGS

Leslie and Sylvia having tramped until midnight found themselves weary
and footsore at London.

"I can't afford very good lodgings" said Leslie "my money must last
until I get employment.

"Where shall we go then?" said Sylvia.

"To some common lodging house" said Leslie "you see _you_ have clean
sheets if they are needful--ah there is the lodging house."

So he and Sylvia approached a filthy house at the end of a narrow
street, Leslie knocked at the door and after waiting 10 minutes a dirty
old woman with a candle in her hand, opened the door.

"What is it you want? she said, "disturbing me this time of night!"

"We have come for a lodging" said our hero "how much would it be?"

"4d a night single" said the old woman "and 2d extra if you want a drop
of water to wash with."

Leslie's heart sank within him at these words but he felt bound to
accept saying "I hope the beds and the water are clean."

"Clean enough I'm sure" said the old woman "considering they have only
been used a few times." so saying she led them up a rickety stair case
into a shabby little room.

"The bed ain't made yet said Old Nan pointing to a heap of rags in the
corner.

"Thank you" said Leslie and locking the door he turned to Sylvia who by
this time was wandering hopelessly about the filthy garret.

"We'll make the bed anyhow" said Leslie "get out y