'Ah, that means twelve. Ahem! I'm a board school officer. What standard?'
'What standard? I—I don't know what you mean, sir!'
'Ah, I thought not. Never been to school, eh?'
'N—no—that is'——
'That'll do. Now, your address? Don't tell me a fib, 'cause I'll find out. I can follow you.'
Lotty's cheek burned with shame. All the independence of her spirit rose in rebellion now.
'I shall not give my address, never, never, never. I don't know you, sir. Follow me if you please, but I never tell lies.'
A tall, rather handsome gentleman now stepped out of the crowd and took immediate charge of the situation. 'Have you got your card, fellow?' he said to the man in the bowler.
'Well—no, not exactly, but here's an envelope.'
Lotty's newly found friend recoiled a little when he looked at it.