Just then a knock was heard at the door. Mrs. Flanagan had heard the step of Rose upon the stairs, and had come up to see if she had brought money for the rent. "It is my landlady, Mrs. Flanagan," said Rose. "I want to see what sort of a woman she is. Ask for delay, and let me go into this inner room," said Miss Wilmot, rapidly. When Mrs. Flanagan entered the room there was no sign of a visitor. "Well," said the landlady, entering upon her business at once, "have you got my money for me?" But for Miss Wilmot's admonition, Rose would have produced the money without delay, but she thought it necessary to follow the directions of her new friend. "They would not pay me for the two vests I had made," she said. "I must wait till all are finished." "Just what I expected," said the landlady, placing her arms akimbo. "I saw how it would turn out. You needn't think I am going to be put off like this. Pay me my rent, or out you go, bag and baggage!" "Would you turn my poor sister into the street, Mrs. Flanagan?" "I am not going to keep you here for nothing, you may rely upon that." "Won't you wait till next week?" "When another week's rent will be due? No, I won't, and I hope that you understand it." "Then you ought to be ashamed of yourself, woman!" said a strong, decided voice, and Miss Wilmot strode out of the bedroom. Mrs. Flanagan stared at her with mingled surprise and indignation. "I am no more a woman than you are," she retorted. "That's true enough," rejoined Miss Wilmot, "nor half as much. There's nothing womanly about you." "Do you think I can let my rooms for nothing?" said the landlady, sullenly. She saw that Miss Wilmot was richly dressed, and she had a respect for such evidence of wealth. "How much do the young ladies owe you?" "A dollar and a half." "What is the rent of these rooms?" "Two dollars a week." "Then, three dollars and a half will pay to the end of the present week?" "Yes, ma'am." "Here is the money. They will move out at the end of the week." "I shall be glad to have them stay," said the landlady, now anxious to retain them. "I shall find them a better home. Good-morning." Mrs. Flanagan went down stairs feeling that she was worsted in the contest. She was a bold woman, but she was rather afraid of Miss Wilmot. "Now, my dears," said the spinster, "let us talk business." CHAPTER XIX. BRIGHTER PROSPECTS.