ood which she had always
looked down upon, but also, because it exposed her to the insults of
such creatures as Orgles. She sat in Mrs Ellis' back sitting-room three
days before she was to commence her duties at "Dawes'"; she was moody
and depressed; on the least provocation, or none at all, she would weep
bitter tears for ten minutes at a time.

This physical lowness brought home to her the fear of possibly losing
her hitherto perfect health. The prospect of being overtaken by such a
calamity opened up a vista of terrifying possibilities which would not
bear thinking about.

Now, she was to earn fifteen pounds a year and "live in," a term
meaning that "Dawes'" would provide her with board and lodging; she
might, also, add to her salary by commissions on sales. The effort of
packing her belongings took her mind from brooding over troubles, real
or imaginary, and served to heighten her spirits. Mrs Ellis' words,
also, put heart into her.

"People will take to a nice-mannered, well-spoken, fine-looking young
lady like you, miss," she said to Mavis.

"Nonsense!" replied Mavis.

"It ain't, miss. I've kep my eyes open, and I see how young ladies,
such as you, either go 'up' or go 'down.' You're one of the 'go
uppers,' and now you've a chance, why, you might, one day, have a
business of your own."

"Mind you come and deal with me if I do. You shall always have 'tick'
for as much as you like."

"Thank you very much, miss; but I couldn't enjoy wearing a thing if I
didn't know it was paid for. I should think everyone was looking at it."

"Time to talk about that when I get my own business."

"And if things go wrong, which God forbid, you've always a home here!"

"Mrs Ellis!"

"I'm not so young as I was, and that yard gets me in the throat crool
in the cold weather. You'd be useful there too, miss, if you wouldn't
mind learning a few swear words."

"Oh, Mrs Ellis!" laughed Mavis.

"It's difficult at first, miss; but it's wonderful how soon you drop
into it if you give your mind to it," declared the landlady solemnly.

Four evenings later, Mavis arrived at "Dawes'," having sent her boxes
earlier in the day. She was to commence work on the morrow, and had
been advised by the firm that it would be as well to take up her abode
in her future quarters the night before.

Nine o'clock found her on the pavement before the firm's great windows,
now securely shuttered; she wondered how she should find her way
inside, the