"Oh, yes. I saw her once at Drury Lane. She sings does she not, sir?"
"Aye, so mind and not outsing her."
They walked along the western side of the Fields to Little Queen Street, where the houses were substantial enough, though not nearly so imposing as those in Great Queen Street where many noblemen and rich people lived.
Spiller was well known to the proprietor of the house, where Mrs. Egleton lodged and was received with effusion. Mrs. Egleton was not up, as indeed Spiller expected, nor would she be until past mid-day. But this did not matter. The landlady had a front attic vacant which she was willing to let to anyone recommended by Mr. Spiller for a very small sum, and here Lavinia installed herself.
"Have a rest, Polly, and something to eat," said Spiller. "I shall call for you about eleven o'clock. I want you to look your best. We're going to see Mr. Rich. Heaven give us luck that we may find him in good humour."
"Do you mean this morning?" cried Lavinia, in dismay.
"Well, I don't mean this evening. You're not afraid, are you?"
"No, I don't think I am, but—but I would that I had a new gown and cloak. See how frightfully draggled they are."
"Odds bodikins, Mr. Rich doesn't want to see how you're gowned. Mrs. Sanders will lend you a needle and thread and help you patch yourself."
Lavinia would have protested but Spiller laughed away her objections, and departed with a final injunction to be in readiness when he called.