'I do like thet Jim Blakeston,' she said to herself; 'fancy treatin' me like thet! You wouldn't catch Tom doin' sich a thing. Bli'me if I speak to 'im again, the ----. Now I shan't see it at all. I've a good mind ter go on my own 'ook. Fancy 'is forgettin' all abaht it, like thet!' She was really quite indignant; though, as she had distinctly refused Jim's offer, it was rather hard to see why. ''E said 'e'd wite for me ahtside the doors; I wonder if 'e's there. I'll go an' see if 'e is, see if I don't--an' then if 'e's there, I'll go in on my own 'ook, jist ter spite 'im!' She dressed herself in her best, and, so that the neighbours shouldn't see her, went up a passage between some model lodging-house buildings, and in this roundabout way got into the Westminster Bridge Road, and soon found herself in front of the theatre. 'I've been witin' for yer this 'alf-hour.' She turned round and saw Jim standing just behind her. ''Oo are you talkin' to? I'm not goin' to the ply with you. Wot d'yer tike me for, eh?' ''Oo are yer goin' with, then?' 'I'm goin' alone.' 'Garn! don't be a bloomin' jackass!' Liza was feeling very injured. 'Thet's 'ow you treat me! I shall go 'ome. Why didn't you come aht the other night?' 'Yer told me not ter.' She snorted at the ridiculous ineptitude of the reply. 'Why didn't you say nothin' abaht it yesterday?' 'Why, I thought you'd come if I didn't talk on it.' 'Well, I think you're a ---- brute!' She felt very much inclined to cry. 'Come on, Liza, don't tike on; I didn't mean no offence.' And he put his arm round her waist and led her to take their places at the gallery door. Two tears escaped from the corners of her eyes and ran down her nose, but she felt very relieved and happy, and let him lead her where he would. There was a long string of people waiting at the door, and Liza was delighted to see a couple of niggers who were helping them to while away the time of waiting. The niggers sang and danced, and made faces, while the people looked on with appreciative gravity, like royalty listening to de Reske, and they were very generous of applause and halfpence at the end of the performance. Then, when the niggers moved to the pit doors, paper boys came along offering _Tit-Bits_ and 'extra specials'; after that three little girls came round and sang sentimental songs and collected more halfpence. At last a movement ran through the serpent-like string of people, sounds were heard behind the door, everyone closed up, the men told the women to keep close and hold tight; there was a great unbarring and unbolting, the doors were thrown open, and, like a bursting river, the people surged in.