"I'm sorry I can't do more; but one isn't always in a position to do exactly what one would like."
"Quite so," assented the girl.
More was said to the same effect, although Mavis could not rid herself of the impression that he was patronising her. A further thing that prejudiced her against Devitt was his absence of self-possession. While speaking, he gesticulated, moved his limbs, and seemed incapable of keeping still.
"I'll pay you back the three pounds you so kindly sent me, gradually," said Mavis presently.
"Wouldn't hear of it; nothin' to me; only too happy to oblige you," declared Devitt, showing by his manner that he considered the interview at an end.
As she walked towards the door, he said:
"By the way, where are you stayin'?"
"At Mrs Farthing's; it's quite near here."
"Quite two miles from us," remarked Devitt, as if more pleased than otherwise at the information.
"Quite," answered Mavis.