'Oh yes; five shillings, wasn't it?'
'It doesn't matter what the sum was—we were both very poor then——'
'And I'm still poorer now.'
'All the more reason why you should allow me to help you.... Allow me to write you a cheque for a hundred pounds. I assure you I can afford it.'
'I think I had better not.... I have some things I can sell.'
'But you must not sell your things. Indeed, you must allow me——'
'I think I'd rather not. I shall be all right—that is to say, if Ford engages me for Brown's new piece; and I think he will.'
'But if he doesn't?'
'Then,' she said, with a sweet and natural smile, 'I'll write to you.... We have been excellent friends—comrades—have we not?'
'Yes, we have indeed, and I shall never forget. There is my address; that will always find me.'