"Why, surely, Miss Staunton," she said, "you are not going out on a raw, foggy morning like this without breakfast?"
"Oh, I can't wait for breakfast," exclaimed Effie.
"I have some tea in my sitting room—do come in, and let me give you a cup, miss. Do, now—you're so white, you look as if you'd drop."
"Thank you," said Effie, after a little pause. "I should be very glad of a cup of tea," she added.
The landlady bustled her into her little sitting room, seated her by the fire, and would not leave her alone until she had swallowed a cup of tea and a piece of toast.
"I'm all the better for the tea," said Effie; "thank you very much."
The unlooked-for kindness cheered the poor girl; she looked upon it as a good omen. She walked quickly up the narrow street which led into the larger thoroughfare, and was soon on her way to Mr. Gering's office in Leadenhall Street.
She arrived there just as the clock was striking nine. She did not allow herself even to feel nervous, but, walking boldly in, asked to see Mr. Gering at once.
"Have you an appointment with him?" asked the clerk whom she addressed.
"No; but I hope he will see me without that; my business is very pressing."