"Oh, Elsie—you did say your name was Elsie, didn't you?"
"Yes'm."
"I should take it very kindly if you could stay a bit longer this evening."
Elsie was dashed; she paused on the knot of the apron-string.
"It's a quarter of an hour past my time now, 'm," she said apologetically and humbly.
"It is? So it is. Well, not quite."
"I had an engagement, 'm."
"Couldn't you put it off for this once? You see, I'm very anxious to get straight after all this mess I've been in. I'm one that can't stand a mess. I'll give you your supper—I'll give you a slice of ham—and sixpence extra."
"I'm sure it's very kind of you, 'm, but——"
Mrs. Arb coaxed, and she could coax very effectively.