Bella, the servant, was an object of their attentions; her gait and manner of breathing would be imitated when she was by. She was always known by the name of "Pongo," till one of the "young ladies" had witnessed The Tempest from the upper boxes of His Majesty's Theatre; from this time, it was thought to be a mark of culture on the part of many of the girls at "Dawes'" to call her "Caliban." Mavis sympathised with the afflicted woman's loneliness; she made one or two efforts to be friendly with her, but each time was repulsed.
One day, however, Mavis succeeded in penetrating the atmosphere of ill-natured reserve with which "Pongo" surrounded herself. The servant was staggering upstairs with two big canfuls of water; the task was beyond her strength.
"Let me help you," said Mavis, who was coming up behind her.
"Shan't," snorted Bella.
"I shall do as I please," remarked Mavis, as she caught hold of one of the cans.
"Leave 'old!" cried Bella; but Mavis only grasped the can tighter.
"Go on now; don't you try and get round me and then turn an' laugh at me."
"I never laugh at you, and I only want to help you up with the water."
"Straight?"
"What else should I want?"