'll see what I can do."

Mavis was much relieved when Mrs Gowler waddled up the stairs, taking
with her an evil-smelling oil lamp. The woman's presence was beginning
to inspire her with a nameless dread, which was alien to the repulsion
inspired by her appearance and coarse speech. Now and again, Mavis
caught a glimpse of terrifying depths of resolution in the woman's
nature; then she seemed as if she would stick at nothing in order to
gain her ends.

"This way, please, Mrs 'Aughty," Mrs Gowler presently called from the
landing above Mavis's head.

Mavis walked up the two flights of stairs, followed by Jill, where she
found Mrs Gowler in the passage leading to the two top-back rooms of
the house. One of these was small, being little larger than a box-room,
but to Mavis's eyes it presented the supreme advantage of being
untenanted by any other patient.

"We'd better 'ave most of the furniture out, 'ceptin' the bed and
washstand," declared Mrs Gowler.

"But where am I to keep my things?" asked Mavis.

"Can't you 'ave your box jes' outside the door? If there ain't no
space, you might pop off before I could hop round the bed."

"Is it often dangerous?" faltered Mavis.

"That depends. 'Ave you walked much?"

"A good deal. Why?"

"That's in yer favour. But I 'ope nothin' will 'appen, for my sake. I
can't do with any more scandals here. I've my Oscar to think of."

"Scandals?" queried Mavis.

"What about gettin' your box upstairs?" asked Mrs Gowler, as if wishful
to change the subject.

"Isn't there anyone who can carry it up?"

"Not to-night. Yer can't expect my Oscar to soil 'is 'ands with menial
work. I'm bringing him up to be the gent he is."

"Then I'll go down and fetch what I want for the night."

"Let me git 'em for yer," volunteered Mrs Gowler, as her eyes twinkled
greedily.

"I won't trouble you."

Mavis went down to the passage, taking with her the evil-smelling lamp:
the spilled oil upon the outside of this greased Mavis's fingers.

To save her strength, she cut the cords with which her trunk was bound
with a kitchen knife, borrowed from Mrs Gowler for this purpose. She
took from this box such articles as she might need for the night.
Amongst other things, she obtained the American clock which had
belonged to her old friend Miss Nippett. Mr Poulter, to whom the
accompanist had left her few possessions, had prevailed on Mavis to
accept this as a memento of her old friend.

Mavis toiled up