"I owe it all to Mr. Gay," she answered quickly. "He is the kindest hearted man in the world. You see he spoke to her Grace the Duchess of Queensberry about me and she sent me to school in Queen Square."
"What, you've rubbed shoulders with the quality, have you? How comes it then that you talk to me—a rogue and a vagabond?"
"You a rogue and a vagabond! Indeed you're not. I—I'm afraid, though, I'm one. I doubt if her grace would notice me now."
"The devil she wouldn't! What's happened then?"
"Oh, it's a long story. I should tire you if I were to tell you."
"A pretty girl tire me? What do you take me for, Polly? It is Polly, isn't it?"
"Mr. Gay called me Polly, but it isn't my right name."
"Good enough for me, my dear. But what have you done? A harmless bit of mischief when all's said, I'll swear."
"I don't know," rejoined Lavinia slowly. "I didn't mean any harm but I suppose I was very silly."
"Well, let me have the catalogue of your sins and I'll be judge."