"I walked far and was very tired."
"Rats!"
"I beg your pardon."
"Don't tell me. 'Ad a row with your boy, an' 'e biffed you on the 'ead. That's nearer the truth. And that's the worst of gentlemen in drink; but then, at other times, they're generous enough when they're in liquor, and don't mind if you help yourself to any spare cash they may 'appen to 'ave about them. It's as long as it's broad."
"You're quite wrong in thinking—" began Mavis.
"Don't come the toff with me," interrupted the woman. "If you was a reel young lady, you wouldn't be out on such a night, and alone. So don't tell me. I ain't lived forty—twenty-six years for nothink."
Mavis did not think it worth while to argue the point.
"What time is it?" she asked.
"'Alf-past two. I suppose I shall 'ave to keep you till the morning."
"I'll go directly. I can knock my landlady up."