In the meantime Kezia and Bessie had advanced together, preparing themselves to face the police inspector, but hoping it would be nothing worse than the tax collector. Bessie opened the door, while Kezia sidled behind her. The next moment they both groaned with horror. "Is Miss Blisland in?" asked a pert young voice. "She might be," replied Bessie hoarsely. "Ask her please if she'll come out and speak to me." "Oh, my dear, shut the door and bolt it!" Kezia whispered. This was done, and they presented themselves in the parlour with woeful faces. "It's her!" Bessie announced. "She wants to see you. She's standing on our doorstep!" "Who?" cried Nellie. "The last of 'em--the one that come yesterday. She didn't tell us her name." "She's ashamed of it," said Kezia. "Perhaps Mr. George'll go and send her off," suggested Bessie. "Who are you talking about?" asked Nellie impatiently. "The wench from Black Anchor. She ain't no more than a child, but the way her stared on us wur awful." "Sent a shiver through me--so bold and daring!" Kezia added. "Miss Teenie, is it?" George muttered. "Sit down, Nellie; I'll go and talk to her." "I can do my own business, thanks," said Nellie, going towards the door. "I'll come with you anyhow," he said. "You will do nothing of the kind," replied the young lady coldly. Out she went, while Miss Yard stood trembling on the hearthrug, and Bessie listened at the keyhole, and Kezia sniffed beside the window. George was trying to persuade himself that no young woman would venture to trifle with his noble nature. "Is it very bad?" asked Miss Yard. "Yes, miss," replied Bessie. "She's brought her in--she's taken her into the dining room--she's shut the door. Oh, Miss, they're laughing!" "I never did think Miss Nellie would go like this," Kezia lamented. "She was here just now," said Miss Yard simply. "Yes, miss, but she's gone now--gone to the bad." "What's it all about?" asked the old lady, appealing to George who seemed to be the only comforter. "I am sorry to say Nellie has got into bad company--into the very worst company--and we shall have to be very stern with her." "Yes, indeed we must, or she will lose all her money. I know what these companies are. I get a lot of circulars, and I always tell Nellie she is to burn them," said Miss Yard in sore distress. "Just listen to 'em talking!" cried Bessie. "I can't abear much more," Kezia wailed.