Mavis, left to herself, did as she was bid. She found the piano, although well past its prime, to be better than the generality of those that she had already tried. She got up and again looked out of the window, when she saw that the men, whom she had previously seen idling in the yard, were now hard at work.
The next moment, Mrs Ellis, looking rather hot, re-entered the room.
"I've had to talk to my men," she said.
"You employ them?" asked Mavis.
"Yes, the lazy rascals. It was my husband's business, but since he died I've kept it on."
"You must be very clever."
"It wants managing. You didn't open the window, miss?" This question was asked anxiously.
"No."
"How much did you wish to pay, miss?"
Mavis explained that she didn't wish to pay more than five shillings a week for a bedroom, but after some discussion it was agreed that she should pay six shillings a week, which would include the use of the sitting-room, together with a morning bath, bathrooms not having been supplied to Mrs Ellis's house.