"'Yes, aunty dear,' responded the girl, in a tone of simulated sweetness.
"'If I let you go out for a walk, will you come back in arf an hour?'
"Sophy hesitated. Between her longing for a run in the streets and her longing to hear what our reporter had to say, she felt herself in a difficulty.
"'Well, now,' exclaimed Mrs. Middlemore, sharply.
"'Oh, aunty dear,' said Sophy, pressing the bosom of her frock, and pretending to be greatly startled at her aunt's sharp voice, you send my 'eart into my mouth.'
"'Will you promise not to stop out longer than an hour?'
"Mrs. Middlemore's anxiety to get rid of her decided the girl. For once she would forego the temptations of the streets.
"'Don't want to go out,' she said, shortly.
"'But you've got to go,' said Mrs. Middlemore, resenting this opposition to her authority, 'or I'll bundle you out for good, neck and crop. Promise, like a good girl.'
"'Shan't promise,' said Sophy, rebelliously.