"But I should."
"As you did before?"
"Certainly!"
It was then arranged that Mavis should commence work at the academy on that day, for much the same terms she was paid before. This matter being settled, she asked for notepaper and envelope, on which she wrote to Mrs Farthing, asking her to be so good as to send Jill at once, and to be sure to let her know by what train she would arrive at Paddington. Mavis was careful to head the notepaper with the address of the academy; she did not wish anyone at Melkbridge to know her actual address. After taking leave of Mr Poulter and posting her letter, she repaired to Miss Nippett's as arranged. The accompanist was now out of bed, in a chair before the fire. Directly she caught sight of Mavis, she said:
"'As he won?"
"Yes, he's won the great cotillion prize competition."
A look of intense joy illumined Miss Nippett's face.
"Isn't he proud?" she asked.
"Very!"
"An' me not there to see him in his triumph." A cloud overspread Miss Nippett's features.