all the secrets of her little luxuries. She quailed as
she remembered what they had found in the cupboard and the bottom
drawer of the wardrobe. Never again could she face Chook and Pinkey,
knowing what they did, and take her pickings of the shop. Suddenly she
recovered her tongue, and turned on Chook, transformed with rage.

"William will break every bone in yer body when 'e 'ears what you've
done," she cried, "mark my words. An' in case I never see yer again,
let me tell yer somethin' that's been on my mind ever since I first met
you. If that ginger-headed cat 'idin' behind the bedroom door 'adn't
married yer, nobody else would, for you're that ugly it 'ud pay yer to
grow whiskers an' 'ide yer face."

And with this parting shot she marched out of the shop and disappeared
in the darkness.

CHAPTER 21

DAD WEEPS ON A TOMBSTONE

The scene at Cremorne Point had suddenly reminded Clara that she was
playing with fire. In the beginning she had consented to these
meetings to humour the parent of her best pupil, and gradually she had
drifted into an intimacy with Jonah without the courage to end it. To
her fastidious taste his physical deformity and the flavour of Cardigan
Street that still clung about his speech and manners put him out of
court as a possible lover; but it had gratified her pride to discover
that he was in love with her, and as he never expressed himself more
plainly than by furtive glances and sudden inflections in his voice,
she felt sure of her power to keep him at a distance.

These outings, indeed, had nearly fallen through, when Jonah, fumbling
for words and afraid to say what was on his mind, had touched on a
detail of his business. To his surprise Clara caught fire like straw,
fascinated at being shown the inner workings of the "Silver Shoe". And
from that time a curious attitude had grown between them. Jonah talked
of his business, and stared at Clara as she listened, forgetful of him,
her mind absorbed in details of profit and loss. She found the
position easy to maintain, for Jonah, catching at straws, demanded no
positive encouragement. A chance word or look from her was rich matter
for a week's thought, twisted and turned in his mind till it meant all
he desired.

She saw clearly and coldly that Jonah had placed her on a pedestal, and
she determined never to step down of her own accord, recognizing with
the instinct for business that had surprised Jonah that she would los