was arf a mile away; and young Ted stepped up and wiped 'im down with a
pocket-'andkerchief while Gerty explained to 'im 'ow she saw 'im slip on
a piece o' banana peel.

"It's 'ard lines," she ses; "but never mind, you frightened 'im away,
and I don't wonder at it. You do look terrible when you're angry,
George; I didn't know you."

She praised 'im all the way 'ome, and if it 'adn't been for his mouth and
nose George would 'ave enjoyed it more than 'e did. She told 'er mother
how 'e had flown at a big man wot 'ad insulted her, and Mrs. Mitchell
shook her 'ead at 'im and said his bold spirit would lead 'im into
trouble afore he 'ad done.

They didn't seem to be able to make enough of 'im, and next day when he
went round Gerty was so upset at the sight of 'is bruises that he thought
she was going to cry. When he had 'ad his tea she gave 'im a cigar she
had bought for 'im herself, and when he 'ad finished smoking it she
smiled at him, and said that she was going to take 'im out for a pleasant
evening to try and make up to 'im for wot he 'ad suffered for 'er.

"We're all going to stand treat to each other," she ses. "Bob always
would insist on paying for everything, but I like to feel a bit
independent. Give and take--that's the way I like to do things."

"There's nothing like being independent," ses George. "Bob ought to ha'
known that."

"I'm sure it's the best plan," ses Gerty. "Now, get your 'at on. We're
going to a theayter, and Ted shall pay the 'bus fares."

George wanted to ask about the theayter, but 'e didn't like to, and arter
Gerty was dressed they went out and Ted paid the 'bus fares like a man.

"Here you are," ses Gerty, as the 'bus stopped outside the theayter.
"Hurry up and get the tickets, George; ask for three upper circles."

She bustled George up to the pay place, and as soon as she 'ad picked out
the seats she grabbed 'old of the tickets and told George to make haste.

"Twelve shillings it is," ses the man, as George put down arf a crown.

"Twelve?" ses George, beginning to stammer. "Twelve? Twelve? Twel--?"

"Twelve shillings," ses the man; "three upper circles you've 'ad."

George was going to fetch Gerty back and 'ave cheaper seats, but she 'ad
gone inside with young Ted, and at last, arter making an awful fuss, he
paid the rest o' the money and rushed in arter her, arf crazy at the idea
o' spending so much money.

"Make 'aste," ses Gerty, afore he could say anything; "the