Mavis asked for his address. While her friend was
writing it down, a violent commotion was heard descending the stairs
and advancing along the passage. Mavis rightly guessed this was
caused by the forcible ejection of the lodger who had failed with
his rent.
To Mavis' surprise, Miss Meakin did not make any reference to this
disturbance, but went on talking as if she were living in a refined
atmosphere which was wholly removed from possibility of violation.
"There's one thing I should tell you," said Miss Meakin, as Mavis
rose to take her leave. "Mr Napper's employer, Mr Keating, besides
being a solicitor, sells pianos. Mr N. is expecting a lady friend,
who is thinking of buying one 'on the monthly,' so mind you explain
what you want."
"I won't forget," said Mavis, making an effort to go. But as voices
raised in angry altercation could be heard immediately outside the
front door, Miss Meakin detained Mavis, asking, in the politest
tone, advice on the subject of the most fashionable material to wear
at a select dinner party.
"I've quite given up 'Browning,'" she told Mavis, "he's so old-
fashioned to up-to-date people.
Pages:
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470