"Very well, 'm," Elsie agreed gratefully.
Twenty pounds seemed a big lump of money to her, and she could not divide by fifty-two. Besides, there it was, printed in the paper! No arguing against that. The two talked about washing and the kitchen and the household utensils which Mrs. Arb had abstracted from the schedule of possessions sold to the purchaser of the business opposite. Elsie sold a couple of books. During this transaction Mrs. Arb retired to the office, and after it she refused to take charge of the money which Elsie dutifully offered to her.
"Elsie, haven't I just told you I'm not mistress here? You must give the money to your master."
Then Mr. Earlforward returned; and Mrs. Arb gave Elsie a sign to withdraw upstairs; and Elsie, having placed the money on the paper containing the titles of the sold books, went discreetly upstairs.
"I've taken on myself to settle that woman's wages," said Mrs. Arb, while Henry was removing his overcoat in the back room. "She told me you hadn't said anything."
"No, I hadn't."
"Well. I've settled twenty pounds a year."
"Eight shillings a week. Rather less. Anyhow, it's better than half a crown every morning of your life for half a day's work."
"Did you give her half a crown? I only used to give her two shillings. Did you give her any food?"
"Certainly not."