In the meantime there had come a civil little note from the girl whose rooms she was to share.  ’Miss Barfoot has spoken of you so favourably that I did not think it necessary to see you before consenting to what she suggested.  Perhaps she has told you that I have my own furniture; it is very plain, but, I think, comfortable.  For the two rooms, with attendance, I pay eight and sixpence a week; my landlady will ask eleven shillings when there are two of us, so that your share would be five-and-six.  I hope you won’t think this is too much.  I am a quiet and I think a very reasonable person.’  The signature was ‘Mildred H. Vesper.’

The day of release arrived.  As it poured with rain all the morning, Monica the less regretted that she had been obliged to postpone her meeting with Widdowson.  At breakfast-time she said good-bye to the three or four girls in whom she had any interest.  Miss Eade was delighted to se her go.  This rival finally out of the way, Mr. Bullivant might perchance turn his attention to the faithful admirer who remained.

She went by train to Great Portland Street, and thence by cab, with her two boxes, to Rutland Street, Hampstead Road—­an uphill little street of small houses.  When the cab stopped, the door of the house she sought at once opened, and on the threshold appeared a short, prim, plain-featured girl, who smiled a welcome.

‘You are Miss Vesper?’ Monica said, approaching her.

’Yes—­very pleased to see you, Miss Madden.  As London cabmen have a narrow view of their duties, I’ll help you to get the boxes in.’

Monica liked the girl at once.  Jehu condescending to hand down the luggage, they transferred it to the foot of the staircase, then, the fare having been paid, went up to the second floor, which was the top of the house.  Miss Vesper’s two rooms were very humble, but homely.  She looked at Monica to remark the impression produced by them.

‘Will it do?’

’Oh, very nicely indeed.  After my quarters in Walworth Road!  But I feel ashamed to intrude upon you.’

‘I have been trying to find someone to share my rent,’ said the other, with a simple frankness that was very agreeable.  ’Miss Barfoot was full of your praises—­and indeed I think we may suit each other.’

‘I shall try to be as little disturbance to you as possible.’

’And I to you.  The street is a very quiet one.  Up above here is Cumberland Market; a hay and straw market.  Quite pleasant odours—­ country odours—­reach us on market day.  I am country-bred; that’s why I speak of such a trifle.’

‘So am I,’ said Monica.  ‘I come from Somerset.’

’And I from Hampshire.  Do you know, I have a strong suspicion that all the really nice girls in London are country girls.’

Monica had to look at the speaker to be sure that this was said in pleasantry.  Miss Vesper was fond of making dry little jokes in the gravest tone; only a twinkle of her eyes and a movement of her tight little lips betrayed her.