No More Learning

You never thought it worth while to turn up and see us again after
you got your money. I don't know why you should. Are you going anywhere
in particular just now? "

"I was going for a walk," said Bessie.

"Not the old business? " Dick spoke under his breath.

"Lor, no! I paid my premium"--Bessie was very proud of that word--"for a
barmaid, sleeping in, and I'm at the bar now quite respectable. Indeed I
am. "

Mr. Beeton had no special reason to believe in the loftiness of human
nature. Therefore he dissolved himself like a mist and returned to his
gas-plugs without a word of apology. Bessie watched the flight with a
certain uneasiness; but so long as Dick appeared to be ignorant of the
harm that had been done to him. . .
"It's hard work pulling the beer-handles," she went on, "and they've got
one of them penny-in-the-slot cash-machines, so if you get wrong by a
penny at the end of the day--but then I don't believe the machinery is
right. Do you? "

"I've only seen it work. Mr. Beeton. "

"He's gone.

"I'm afraid I must ask you to help me home, then. I'll make it worth
your while. You see. " The sightless eyes turned towards her and Bessie
saw.

"It isn't taking you out of your way? " he said hesitatingly. "I can ask
a policeman if it is. "

"Not at all. I come on at seven and I'm off at four. That's easy hours.