The room seemed to move round Mavis. Mrs Devitt continued, as she noticed the look of dismay on the girl's face:
"But I need hardly tell you that I will do all I can to do something for you."
"Thank you," said Mavis.
"Can't you get anything to do in London?"
"I might."
"Have you tried?"
"A little."
Mavis felt tears welling into her eyes; she would never have forgiven herself if she had displayed the extremity of weeping before these people, who, after all, were not of her social world. She resolved to change the subject and keep any expression of her disappointment till she was safe from unsympathetic eyes.
"Did you know my father?" she asked.
"I didn't live here, then. I married Mr—my husband six years ago."