The woman heated some water in a tin kettle, before mixing herself hot gin and water in a tooth glass, the edge of which was smudged with tooth powder.
"Smoke?"
"I do, sometimes," replied Mavis.
"Have a fag? A gentleman brought me these to-night."
Mavis somewhat reluctantly took and lit a cigarette. The woman did likewise, sipped her grog, and then brought a chair in order that she might sit by Mavis.
"What might your name be?"
"Keeves," answered Mavis shortly.
"Mine's Ewer—'Tilda Ewer. Miss, thank Gawd."
"You wear a wedding ring."
"Eh! That's business. And 'ow did you come to be overtook outside this 'ouse?"