“Nothing.”

“My dear lady—”

“I could not in conscience,” explained Miss Ramsbotham, “take payment from both sides. I am going to make a good deal out of it. I am going to make out of it at least three hundred a year, and they will be glad to pay it.”

“Who will?”

“The dressmakers. I shall be one of the most stylish women in London,” laughed Miss Ramsbotham.

“You used to be a sensible woman,” Peter reminded her.

“I want to live.”

“Can’t you manage to do it without—without being a fool, my dear.”

“No,” answered Miss Ramsbotham, “a woman can’t. I’ve tried it.”

“Very well,” agreed Peter, “be it so.”