'You seem rather taken aback,' said Victoria.
'Well, mum, you see it's a funny thing the stage; young ladies all seems to think it's easy to get on. And then they don't get on. And there you are.'
'Well I am on,' said Victoria, 'so I shall have to leave on Wednesday.'
'Sorry to lose you, mum,' said Miss Briggs, ''ope yer'll 'ave a success. In course, as you 'aven't given me notice, mum, it'll 'ave to be a week's money more.'
'Oh, come Miss Briggs, this is too bad,' cried Victoria, 'why, you've got a whole floor vacant! What would it have mattered if I had given you notice?'
'Might have let it, mum. Besides it's the law,' said Miss Briggs, placing her arms akimbo, ready for the fray.
'Very well then,' said Victoria coldly, 'don't let's say anything more about it.'
Miss Briggs looked at her critically. 'No offence meant, mum,' she said timidly, 'it's a 'ard life, lodgers.'
'Indeed?' said Victoria without any show of interest.
'You wouldn't believe it, mum, all I've got to put up with. There's Hetty now . . .'