to this. Not one farthing more will you have from 'ome--not one
farthing! And you may think yourself lucky if you still '_ave_ a
'ome. For all I know, you'll have to earn your own living, and I'd
like to hear how you mean to do it. As soon as I get back I shall
write to Mrs. What's-her-name and tell her that nothing will be paid
for you after the week that's due and the week that's for notice.
Now just take heed of what you're doing, Lou. It may have more
serious results than you think for.'

'I've thought all I'm going to think,' replied the girl. 'I shall
stay here as long as I like, and be indebted neither to you nor to
stepfather.'

Mrs. Mumford breathed a sigh of thankfulness that she was not called
upon to take part in this scene. It was bad enough that the servant
engaged in laying lunch could hear distinctly Mrs. Higgins's coarse
and violent onslaught. When the front door at length closed she
rejoiced, but with trembling; for the words that fell upon her ear
from the hall announced too plainly that Louise was determined to
stay.

CHAPTER V

Miss Derrick had gone back into the drawing-room, and, to Emmeline's
surprise, remained there. This retirement was ominous; the girl must
be taking some resolve. Emmeline, on her part, braced her courage
for the step on which she had decided. Luncheon awaited them, but it
would be much better to arrive at an understanding before they sat
down to the meal. She entered the room and found Louise leaning on
the back of a chair.

'I dare say you heard the row,' Miss Derrick remarked coldly. 'I'm
very sorry, but nothing of that kind shall happen again.'

Her countenance was disturbed, she seemed to be putting a restraint
upon herself, and only with great effort to subdue her voice.

'What are you going to do?' asked Emmeline, in a friendly tone, but,
as it were, from a distance.

'I am going to ask you to do me a great kindness, Mrs. Mumford.'

There was no reply. The girl paused a moment, then resumed
impulsively.

'Mr. Higgins says that if I don't come home, he won't let me have
any more money. They're going to write and tell you that they won't
be responsible after this for my board and lodging. Of course I
shall not go home; I shouldn't dream of it; I'd rather earn my
living as--as a scullery maid. I want to ask you, Mrs. Mumford,
whether you will let me stay on, and trust me to pay what I owe you.
It won't be for very long, and I promise you I _will_ pay