expectedness
of the compliment.

Mr Poulter looked at her intently for a few moments before saying:

"Haven't you a father or mother?"

Mavis shook her head.

"Neither kith nor kin?"

"I'm all alone in the world," she replied sadly.

A sorrowful expression came over the old man's face as he said with
much fervour:

"God bless you, my dear. May He keep you from pain and all harm."

Mavis was seized with a sudden impulse. She took the white head in her
warm arms and kissed him fondly on the forehead.

Mr Poulter turned away and pretended to have trouble with one of his
dancing pumps.

A minute or two later, three grimy, uncouth-looking men came into the
hall, whom Mavis took to be gasmen.

"Here's the 'Godolphin Band,'" said Mr Poulter, as he caught sight of
them.

"All except Baffy: 'e's always late," remarked one of the men.

Mavis was introduced to the three members of the band, all of whom
seemed to be somewhat abashed by her striking appearance.

"What about evening dress?" asked Mr Poulter of the trio.

Two of the men coughed and hesitated before saying:

"Very sorry, Mr Poulter, but Christmas coming and all that, sir--"

"I understand," sighed the dancing-master sympathetically; he then
turned to the tallest of the three to ask:

"And you, Mr Cheadle?"

"What a question to ask a cornet-player!" replied Mr Cheadle, as he
undid his overcoat to reveal a much worn evening suit, together with a
frayed, soiled shirt.

"Excellent! excellent!" cried Mr Poulter on seeing the cornet-player's
garb.

"One 'ud think I played outside pubs," grumbled Mr Cheadle.

"Now, if only Mr Baffy would come, you artistes could get to work,"
remarked Mr Poulter pleasantly.

"Let's start without him," suggested Cheadle, who seemed pleased at
being referred to as an artiste.

A move was made to the platform at the further end of the hall; when
this was reached, a little old man staggered into the hall, bearing on
his shoulders a bass viol.

"Here's Baffy!" cried the three musicians together.

When the man disentangled himself from his burden, Mavis saw that the
bass viol player was short, unkempt, greyhaired and bearded; he stared
straight before him with vacant, watery eyes; his mouth was always
agape; he neither greeted nor spoke to anyone present.

In obedience to Mr Poulter's instructions, two of the band brought a
big screen from a side-room; this was set up by the piano, at which
instrument Mavis took