“Yes; but it all began over again. It was just the same at the 'Gaiety' as it was at the 'Criterion.' He would never leave me alone, but kept on accusing me of flirting with the gentlemen that came to the bar. Now, you know as well as I do what the bar is. You must be polite to the gentlemen you serve. There are certain gentlemen who always come to me, and don't care to be served by any one else, and if I didn't speak to them they wouldn't come to the bar. The manager is very sharp, and would be sure to mention it.” “Whom do you mean? That fellow with the yellow moustache that walks about with his frock-coat all open--a sort of apotheosis of sherry and bitters?” “That's what you called him once before. You see I remember. He is very fond of sherry and bitters. But I was saying that Harry would keep on interfering with me, pulling me over the coals. We had such dreadful rows. He accused me of having gone with gentlemen to their rooms--a thing I never did. I could stand it no longer, and we agreed to part.” “How long is that ago?” “About three weeks. I could stand it no longer, I couldn't remain at the 'Gaiety,' so I resolved to leave.” “Why couldn't you remain at the 'Gaiety,' the manager didn't know anything about it?” “No, he knew nothing about it, it wouldn't have mattered if he had, but after a break up like that you can't remain among people you know--you want to get right away; there's nothing like a change. Besides I mightn't get such a good chance again; I had the offer of a very good place in Brighton, and I took it--a new restaurant, they open to-morrow. I get thirty pounds a year and my food.” “And lodging?” “No, they are very short of accommodation, and I have taken a room in one of the streets close by--Preston Street. Do you know it?” “Perfectly, off the Western Road.” “The lady who has the house knew my poor mother--a very nice woman--will let me have a bedroom for five shillings a week, and I shall be allowed to use her sitting-room when I want it, which, of course, won't be very often, for I shall be at business all day.” The train rolled along the platform; Frank asked the porter when there would be a train for Southwick, and was told he would have half an hour to wait. “I shall have time to drive you to Preston Street.” “Oh, no, please don't! She will be waiting for you--you will miss your train.” XIV