Both were very young, neither being more than twenty-one or twenty-two years of age.
‘That way!—over the Bridge!’ said the woman sitting, in a husky voice; then she added, as the other seemed about to pass on, ‘Stop though! what are you going to stand?’
The other turned quickly, and again looked down with her large eager eyes.
‘What do you want?—Money?’ The voice was deep and clear, though it trembled a little.
‘Yes, I’m as thirsty as a fish. Lend me a shilling, and I’ll pay you back some night when I’m in luck. Only a shilling! that won’t break you!’
‘If I give you the money, what will you do with it?’
‘Drink it,’ was the curt reply.
Something in the answer had a curious effect on the hearer. She stooped softly down and looked earnestly in the other woman’s face.
‘You’ll know me again when you see me?’ ‘Do you mind telling me your name?’
‘Ellen,—never mind what else. Nell for snort.