"Enough to keep me for a week. Maybe Mr. Rich would find something for me to do. I can dance as well as sing." "I'll warrant you, but John Rich does all the dancing himself, and as for singing--he doesn't think much of it. But we'll see. Wouldn't your friend the duchess help you?" "I don't know. I'm afraid I'm out of her grace's favour," said Lavinia dolefully. "Besides, she might want to send me back to Queen Square. Lud, I couldn't bear that. Miss Pinwell wouldn't have me, though," she added in a tone of relief. "I'll wager she wouldn't," said Spiller dryly. "She'd be in mortal fear of the whole of her young ladies following your example and running away with the town sparks. Well, we'll see what can be done for you, Polly, though I fear me I'm going to have a sad pickle on my hands." "Oh, pray don't say that, Mr. Spiller. What's happened was not my doing." "Of course not. But let us to Little Queen Street. If Mrs. Egleton is in the mood she may be of use to you. But take care not to ruffle her plumes. You've heard of her I doubt not?" "Oh, yes. I saw her once at Drury Lane. She sings does she not, sir?" "Aye, so mind and not outsing her." They walked along the western side of the Fields to Little Queen Street, where the houses were substantial enough, though not nearly so imposing as those in Great Queen Street where many noblemen and rich people lived. Spiller was well known to the proprietor of the house, where Mrs. Egleton lodged and was received with effusion. Mrs. Egleton was not up, as indeed Spiller expected, nor would she be until past mid-day. But this did not matter. The landlady had a front attic vacant which she was willing to let to anyone recommended by Mr. Spiller for a very small sum, and here Lavinia installed herself. "Have a rest, Polly, and something to eat," said Spiller. "I shall call for you about eleven o'clock. I want you to look your best. We're going to see Mr. Rich. Heaven give us luck that we may find him in good humour." "Do you mean this morning?" cried Lavinia, in dismay. "Well, I don't mean this evening. You're not afraid, are you?" "No, I don't think I am, but--but I would that I had a new gown and cloak. See how frightfully draggled they are." "Odds bodikins, Mr. Rich doesn't want to see how you're gowned. Mrs. Sanders will lend you a needle and thread and help you patch yourself." Lavinia would have protested but Spiller laughed away her objections, and departed with a final injunction to be in readiness when he called.