'Well, that is all right, Kitty; I agree with you this is not the best place in the world for her, and I think it likely that I may take her away altogether.'
'I am glad to hear it. I have never been able to make out what your game was. One thing I was certain of—that it was no good. I know a good many games that you have had a hand in, and there was not a good one among them, and I don't suppose this differs from the rest. Anyhow, I shall be glad to be shot of her. I don't want to lose the five bob a week, but I would rather shift without it than have her any longer now she is a-growing up.'
The man muttered something between his teeth, but at the moment a step was heard coming up the stairs.
'That's Sal,' the woman said; 'you are in luck this time, Warbles.'
The door opened, and a girl came in. She was thin and gaunt, her eyes were large, her hair was rough and unkempt, there were smears of dirt on her face and an expression of mingled distrust and defiance.
'Who have you got here?' she asked, scowling at Mr. Warbles.
'It is the gent as you saw a year ago, Sally; the man as I told you had put you with me and paid regular towards your keep.'
'What does he want?' the girl asked, but without removing her glance from the man.
'He wants to have a talk with you, Sally. I do not know exactly what he wants to say, but it is for your good.'
'I dunno that,' she replied; 'he don't look like as if he was one to do anyone a good turn without getting something out of it.'