She saw Alexandra hesitate. "It’s such a duck of a flat," she went on. "I haven’t got any one to show it to. Dozens of times I’ve said to myself: if only Lexie could see this or that.... You needn’t approve of me, but do come! We can have an early dinner before I go to the theater." "But what about—" "Fred’s never there at that time. We generally lunch out and then I don’t see him till after the show." On Maggy’s left hand Alexandra noticed the gleam of a wedding ring. Maggy, following her glance, smiled contentedly. For the moment it occurred to Alexandra that perhaps Maggy was really married after all. She asked the question. "No," was the regretful reply. "But I often forget I’m not. There’s not much difference when you’re fond of a man. You get to love him so much that you don’t feel the law could bring you any closer. All the same I’d like to be married to him really. I’d like to look after his clothes, and keep his things tidy—and have his children." She flushed and got up rather hurriedly. "Ready? Come along!" In the narrow hall they encountered Mrs. Bell. She had been lying in wait, and now advanced with her be-ringed and not over-clean hand outstretched. "Always pleased to see you, Miss Delamere," she beamed. "I’m sure Miss Hersey’s been quite lost without you. No chance of your coming back to us, I suppose?" She smiled knowingly. "You never know," said Maggy lightly. "Here’s something to—buy shrimps with," she supplemented, winking at Alexandra. Mrs. Bell gave an astonished and delighted look at the coin before her fingers closed on it. "Well, you are a dear! I always did say you had a heart of gold—" "Not when my purse had only coppers in it," Maggy laughed. "What did you give her? She looked quite surprised," Alexandra inquired directly the street door had shut. "A sovereign." "But why?" "Swank, my dear. Get in." The car moved off. "How do you like it?" she asked. "It’s a Primus. Fred’s got an interest in them. I wish he’d make me an agent. He’s had my photo taken in one for an ad. They’ve got electric starting and lighting and only cost two-seventy-five. Lean back, dear. Isn’t it comfy? Oh, I wonder what you’ll think of my flat. You’ll like the bathroom, I know. Hot water service at any time of the day or night. That’s in the prospectus." Alexandra laughed. "May I have a bath?" "Of course. Whenever you like. I thought you’d ask."