"No, mamma. First of all she took Jeannot in, and then she came out to me, and then she went in again to see how long he would be."
"I'm sorry she left you alone in the street. She ought not to have done so, and I've told her.... The King's Road, with all kinds of people about!"
Mimi said nothing. The new Madame Vaillac moved a little towards the fire.
"Of course," the latter went on, "I know you're a regular little woman, and perhaps I needn't tell you but you must never speak to anyone in the street."
"No, mamma."
"Particularly in Brighton.... You never do, do you?"
"No, mamma."
"Good-night."
The stepmother left the room. Mimi could feel her heart beating. Then Jean called out:
"Mimi."