THE "PERMANENT"
When Mavis regained a semblance of consciousness, something soft and warm lay on her heart. Jill was watching her with anxious eyes. A queer little female figure stood beside the bed.
"Better, dear?" asked this person.
"Where's Mrs Gowler?" whispered Mavis.
"She got tired of waiting, so I came in. I've been here a hour" (she pronounced the aspirate).
"Who are you?" asked Mavis.
"I'm the 'permanent.'"
"The what?"
"The 'permanent': at least, that's what they call me here. But you mustn't talk. You've 'ad a bad time."
"Is it a boy or a girl?" asked Mavis.