There was a short pause. Then, with an air of some embarrassment Gertie broke the silence. '"Ere," she said: "you know that five bob you give me?"
"Yes," I said.
"Well, I ain't spendin' it on no dinner—see. I'm goin' to buy a 'at wiv it—a 'at like 'ers: d'yer mind?"
"I do mind," I said severely. "That money was intended for your inside, Gertie, not your outside. You have your dinner, and I'll buy you a new hat myself."
She clasped her hands together. "Ow!" she cried. "Yer mean it? Yer reely mean it?"
"I never joke," I said, "on sacred subjects."
Then to my dismay she suddenly began to cry. "You ain't 'alf—'alf bin good to me," she jerked out. "No one ain't never bin good to me like you. I'd—I'd do anyfink for you."
"In that case," I said, "you may give me my hat—and cheer up."
She obeyed both commands, and then, still sniffing, valiantly marched to the front door and opened it for me to go out.
"Goo'-night, sir," she said.