ever got into it. Totty's chamber was a poor, bare little
retreat, with low, cracked, grimy ceiling, and one scrap of carpet on
the floor, just by the diminutive bed. On a table lay the provisions
she had that afternoon brought in from Mrs. Bower's. On the
mantel-piece was a small card, whereon was printed an announcement of
the friendly lead; at the bead stood the name of a public-house, with
that of its proprietor; then followed: 'A meeting will take place at
the above on Saturday evening, August 2, for the benefit of Bill
Mennie, the well-known barber of George Street, who has been laid up
through breaking of his leg, and is quite unable to follow his
employment at present. We the undersigned, knowing him to be thoroughly
respected and a good supporter of these meetings, they trust you will
come forward on this occasion, and give him that support he so richly
deserve, this being his first appeal.--Chairman:--Count Bismark.
Vice:--Dick Perkins. Assisted by' (here was a long list, mostly of
nicknames) 'Little Arthur, Flash Bob, Young Brummy, Lardy, Bumper, Old
Tacks, Jo at Thomson's, Short-pipe Tommy, Boy Dick, Chaffy Sam
Coppock,' and others equally suggestive.

Whilst Thyrza perused this, Totty was singing a merry song.

'I've had ten shillin's sent me to-day,' she said.

'Who by?'

'An old uncle of mine, 'cause it's my birthday to-morrow. He's a rum
old fellow. About two years ago he came and asked me if I'd go and live
with him and my aunt, and be made a lady of. Honest, he did! He keeps a
shop in Tottenham Court Road. He and father 'd quarrelled, and he never
come near when father died, and I had to look out for myself. Now, he'd
like to make a lady of me; he'll wait a long time till he gets the
chance!'

'But wouldn't it be nice, Totty?' Thyrza asked, doubtfully.

'I'd sooner live in my own way, thank you. Fancy me havin' to sit
proper at a table, afraid to eat an' drink! What's the use o' livin',
if you don't enjoy yourself?'

They were interrupted by a knock at the door, followed by the
appearance of Annie West, a less wholesome-looking girl than Totty, but
equally vivacious.

'Well, will you come to the "Prince Albert," Thyrza?' Totty asked.

'I can't stay long,' was the answer; 'but I'll go for a little while.'

The house of entertainment was at no great distance. They passed
through the bar and up into a room on the first floor, where a
miscellaneous assembly was just gathering. Down the middle