MINNIE. Then she is owing a good deal, eh?

FLORRIE. I dessay. Corsts ’er ten and six a time fer this messidge treatment wot she ’as evry dy. I know that ’cos the nurse said so.

MINNIE. Yer wanter look out she pys you prompt. ’Case she goes bankrupt.

FLORRIE. You bet I tike care o’ myself. Wait till she don’t giv me my money of a Friday and I’ll tell her strite.

Catherine turned away burning with rage.

That night when Florrie came up to lay the tea, Catherine said: “By the way, Florrie, I give you a week’s notice from to-night.”

“Why, mum?”

“Because I don’t wish to have anybody in the house who discusses my private business with outsiders.”

“But, mum, I never——”

“Don’t argue. I overheard your conversation. I don’t want any explanations.”