No More Learning

Bessie
Broke,--Stone-broke, if you like. What's your names? But there,--no one
ever gives the real ones. "

Dick consulted Torpenhow with his eyes.

"My name's Heldar, and my friend's called Torpenhow; and you must be
sure to come here. Where do you live? "

"South-the-water,--one room,--five and sixpence a week. Aren't you
making fun of me about that three quid? "

"You'll see later on. And, Bessie, next time you come, remember, you
needn't wear that paint. It's bad for the skin, and I have all the
colours you'll be likely to need. "

Bessie withdrew, scrubbing her cheek with a ragged pocket-handkerchief.
The two men looked at each other.

"You're a man," said Torpenhow.

"I'm afraid I've been a fool.
It isn't our business to run about the
earth reforming Bessie Brokes. And a woman of any kind has no right on
this landing. "

"Perhaps she won't come back. "

"She will if she thinks she can get food and warmth here. I know she
will, worse luck. But remember, old man, she isn't a woman; she's my
model; and be careful. "

"The idea! She's a dissolute little scarecrow,--a gutter-snippet and
nothing more. "

"So you think. Wait till she has been fed a little and freed from fear.
That fair type recovers itself very quickly. You won't know her in a
week or two, when that abject fear has died out of her eyes. She'll be
too happy and smiling for my purposes. "

"But surely you're not taking her out of charity? --to please me? "

"I am not in the habit of playing with hot coals to please anybody.