Jumping off the bed, Laura went quickly to the dresser, and picking up the hand mirror, looked carefully at herself. Then laying the glass down, she turned and faced the other. Sharply she retorted: "But I've got what you haven't got. I may have to hide my clothes, but I don't have to hide my face. And you with that man--he's old enough to be your father--a toddling dote, hanging on your apron strings. I don't see how you dare show your face to a decent woman!" It was Elfie's turn now to lose her temper. She rose, flushed with anger. "You don't, eh?" she cried hotly. "But you did once, and I never caught you hanging your head. You say he's old. I know he's old, but he's good to me. He's making what's left of my life pleasant. You think I like him. I don't--sometimes I hate him--but he understands; and you can bet your life his cheque is in my mail every Saturday night, or there's a new lock on the door Sunday morning." "How dare you say such things to me?" exclaimed Laura indignantly. "Because I want you to be square with yourself. You've lost all that precious virtue women gab about. When you've got the name, I say get the game." Almost speechless from anger, Laura pointed to the door. "You can go now, Elfie, and don't come back!" "All right," exclaimed Elfie, gathering up her muff and gloves, "if that's the way you want it to be, I'm sorry." She was hurrying toward the door, when suddenly there came a knock. Laura, with an effort, controlled herself. "Come in," she called out. Annie entered, with a note, which she handed to Laura. "Mis' Farley sent dis, Miss Laura." Laura read the note. A look of mingled annoyance and embarrassment came into her face. "There's no answer," she said sharply, crushing the note up in her hand. But Annie was not to be put off. "She tol' me not to leave until Ah got an answah." "You must ask her to wait," retorted Laura doggedly. "She wants an answer," persisted the negress. "Tell her I'll be right down--that it will be all right." "But, Miss Laura, she tol' me to get an answah." She went out reluctantly, closing the door. "She's taking advantage of your being here," exclaimed Laura apologetically, half to herself and half to her visitor. "How?" demanded Elfie. "She wants money--three weeks' room-rent. I presume she thought you'd give it to me." "Huh!" exclaimed the other, tossing her head. Changing her tone, Laura went up to her. "Elfie," she said, "I've been a little cross; I didn't mean it." "Well?" demanded her companion. "Could--could you lend me thirty-five dollars until I get to work?" "Me?" demanded her visitor, in indignant astonishment. "You actually have the face to ask me to lend you thirty-five dollars?" "Yes, you've got plenty of money to spare." "Well, you certainly have got a nerve!" exclaimed Elfie. "You might give it to me," pleaded Laura. "I haven't a dollar in the world, and you pretend to be such a friend to me!" Elfie turned angrily.