"Where are you staying?"
"Notting Hill. I beg its pardon—North Kensington. They're quiet people. If I'm not back soon, my character will be lost and I shall be locked out for the night."
"I'd love you to stay. But there's scarcely room for you in this poky little hole."
"Can't I engage another room?"
"But the expense?"
"Blow that! See if they can put me up."
Mavis talked to Miss Gussle on the subject. Very soon, Mr Gussle could be heard panting up the stairs with an iron chair bedstead, which was set up, with other conveniences, in the music-hall agent's office.
"Nice if he comes back and came into my room in the night," remarked Miss Toombs.
"What on earth would you do?" asked Mavis.
"Lock the door to keep him in," replied Miss Toombs quickly, at which the two friends laughed immoderately.