"Sophy put her tongue in her cheek, and whispering, 'Ain't she a treat?' preceded our reporter to the kitchen. "'Good-evening, Mrs. Middlemore,' said our reporter. "'Good-evening, sir,' said Mrs. Middlemore, 'Sophy, 'ave you shut the street door tight?' "'As tight as a drum,' replied Sophy. "'Mrs. Middlemore sank into a chair with a heavy sigh, and our reporter took a seat opposite her. There was a jug of beer on the table. "'Will you 'ave a glass, sir?' asked Mrs. Middlemore, hospitably. "'No, thank you; I have just dined, and I thought I would come and have a chat with you in a general way.' "'Thank 'eaven it's about nothing particular,' said Mrs. Middlemore, in a tone of manifest relief. "'It may lead to something particular,' observed our reporter, genially. 'We're only on the threshold as yet.' "'Stop a bit, sir, please. Sophy!' "'Yes, aunty dear,' responded the girl, in a tone of simulated sweetness. "'If I let you go out for a walk, will you come back in arf an hour?' "Sophy hesitated. Between her longing for a run in the streets and her longing to hear what our reporter had to say, she felt herself in a difficulty. "'Well, now,' exclaimed Mrs. Middlemore, sharply. "'Oh, aunty dear,' said Sophy, pressing the bosom of her frock, and pretending to be greatly startled at her aunt's sharp voice, you send my 'eart into my mouth.' "'Will you promise not to stop out longer than an hour?' "Mrs. Middlemore's anxiety to get rid of her decided the girl. For once she would forego the temptations of the streets. "'Don't want to go out,' she said, shortly. "'But you've got to go,' said Mrs. Middlemore, resenting this opposition to her authority, 'or I'll bundle you out for good, neck and crop. Promise, like a good girl.' "'Shan't promise,' said Sophy, rebelliously. "'Oh, dear, oh, dear,' moaned Mrs. Middlemore. 'What am I to do with her? And after all the nice things you said of her this morning, sir?' "'Did you say nice things of me?' asked Sophy, of our reporter. "'I did, Sophy,' he replied, 'and I'm sure you will do as your aunt tells you.' "'That settles it. I'll go. 'Ow long for, aunty?' "'An hour. Not a minute more.' "'I say'--to our reporter--'you might lend us yer watch. Then I shouldn't make any mistake.' "'Get along with you,' said our reporter, laughing. 'The shops are full of clocks.'