"Yes. We sell lots of flimsy silk lampshades that cost heaps of money. And we're often asked for something cheaper. Our manager might be inclined to buy some like this."
"Would he indeed? Oh, Sandy, Sandy!" In her eagerness the good woman caught hold of his arm. "Poor dear Miss Anderson does not know where to turn for a penny. Could you get her this work to do, for good pay, do you think?"
Sandy grinned again. "You said I never have an idea in my head," he began teasingly.
"I did. Yes, I did, but I won't say so again. I won't if you'll get my dear young lady some work that will keep the wolf from her door."
"The wolf? What wolf?" Sandy looked round with an assumed air of alarm.
"The wolf of hunger."
"I shouldn't have thought you would have allowed him to come near a lodger of yours."
"Get out with you!" Mrs. Austin pushed him towards the door. "Run and see if there is a chance for Miss Anderson."
"A chance? Oh, I see what you mean. Just ask her first if she would be willing to do the work at a fair price."
"Willing? She'd jump at it. But I tell you what, Sandy, we must not have her disappointed again. I won't say anything to her about it until we know whether she can have the work and on what terms."