"
Mavis told Miss Nippett of her engagement to play at "Poulter's"
during the latter's absence.
"Don't you count on it being for long," said Miss Nippett.
"I hope it won't be, for your sake."
"I'm counting the minute' till I shall be back again at the
academy," declared Miss Nippett.
Mavis, as she looked at the eager, pinched face, could well believe
that she was speaking the truth.
"I shall buy you a bottle of port wine," said Mavis.
"What say?"
Mavis repeated her words.
"Oh, I say! Fancy me 'avin' port wine! I once 'ad a glass; it did
make me feel 'appy."
Two days later, in accordance with the contents of a letter she had
received from Mrs Farthing, Mavis met the train at Paddington that
was to bring her dear Jill from Melkbridge. She discovered her
friend huddled in a corner of the guard's van; her grief was piteous
to behold, her eyes being full of tears, which the kindly attentions
of the guard had not dissipated. Directly she saw her mistress, Jill
uttered a cry that was almost human in its gladness, and tried to
jump into Mavis' arms.
When Jill was released, Mavis hugged her in her arms, careless of
the attention her devotion attracted.
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