Summary

In Part 2, VII, Birdie describes feeling a presentiment for Edward the first time that she saw him outside the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. Nearly 17, Birdie was working in the theaters, lifting wallets and valuables from the men and women packed into the busy lobbies. Martin was a problem because he continued to follow Birdie even though she no longer needed his oversight.

Birdie had just left the theater and was standing in the alley when Thurston pointed her out to Edward. Edward and Birdie had been staring at each other when Martin spotted them and called out that there was a thief. Birdie told Martin that Edward was not a thief. Edward told Birdie that he wanted to paint her portrait. Instead of telling Edward her real name, Birdie told him that her name was Lily Millington.

Mrs. Mack agreed to let...