"Did you get any money? Did they pay you for the vests?"
"No; but I met a good friend, who has come home with me. Miss Wilmot, this is my sister, Addie."
"I am glad to make your acquaintance, my dear," said the spinster, and her face, plain as it was, looked positively attractive from very kindness.
"You look good!" said Addie, whose instincts were rapid. "I am sure you are a friend."
"I will be," said Miss Wilmot, emphatically.
The weakness of the younger sister appealed to her even more strongly than the beauty of the elder.
Just then a knock was heard at the door. Mrs. Flanagan had heard the step of Rose upon the stairs, and had come up to see if she had brought money for the rent.
"It is my landlady, Mrs. Flanagan," said Rose.
"I want to see what sort of a woman she is. Ask for delay, and let me go into this inner room," said Miss Wilmot, rapidly.
When Mrs. Flanagan entered the room there was no sign of a visitor.