ring
you another book to-morrow.'

Farwell rose abruptly and left Victoria singularly stirred. He was a
personality, she felt; something quite unusual. He was less a man than a
figment, for he seemed top heavy almost. He concentrated the hearer's
attention so much on his spoken thought that his body passed
unperceived, receded into the distance.

While Victoria was changing to go, the staff room somehow seemed darker
and dirtier than ever. It was seldom swept and never cleaned out. The
management had thoughtfully provided nothing but pegs and wooden
benches, so as to discourage lounging. Victoria was rather late, so that
she found herself alone with Lizzie, the cashier. Lizzie was red-haired,
very curly, plump, pink and white. A regular little spark. She was very
popular; her green eyes and full curved figure often caused a small
block at the desk.

'You look tired,' she said good-naturedly.

'I suppose I am,' said Victoria. 'Aren't you?'

'So so. Don't mind my job.'

'Mm, I suppose it isn't so bad sitting at the desk.'

'No,' said Lizzie, 'pays too.'

'Pays?'

Lizzie flushed and hesitated. Then the desire to boast burst its bonds.
She must tell, she must. It didn't matter after all. A craving for
admiration was on her.

'Tell you what,' she whispered. 'I get quite two and a kick a week out
of that job.'

Victoria's eyebrows went up.

'You know,' went on Lizzie, 'the boys look at me a bit.' She simpered
slightly. 'Well, once one of them gave me half a bar with a bob check.
He was looking at me in the eye, well! that mashed, I can tell you he
looked like a boiled fish. Sort of inspiration came over me.' She
stopped.

'Well?' asked Victoria, feeling a little nervous.

'Well . . . I . . . I gave him one half crown and three two bob pieces.
Smiled at him. He boned the money quick enough, wanted to touch my hand
you see. Never saw it.'

Victoria thought for a moment. 'Then you gave him eight and six instead
of nine shillings?'

'You've hit it. Bless you, _he_ never knew. Mashed, I can tell _you_.'

'Then you did him out of sixpence?'

'Right. Comes off once in three. Say "sorry" when I'm caught and smile
and it's all right. Never try it twice on the same man.'

'I call that stealing,' said Victoria coldly.

'You can call it what you like,' snarled Lizzie. 'Everything's stealing.
What's business? getting a quid for what costs you a tanner. I'm putting
a bit extra on my wages.'

Victoria shrugged