The second of Totty's guests was Annie West, whom you know already, for she was at the 'friendly lead' when Thyrza sang; she was something of a scapegrace, constantly laughed in a shrill note, and occasionally had to be called to order.

The third was a Mrs.Allchin, aged fifteen, a married woman of two months' date; her hair was cut across her forehead, she wore large eardrops, and over her jacket hung a necklace with a silver locket.

Mrs.Allchin, called by her intimates 'Loo,' had the air of importance which became her position.
There were only two chairs in the room; the table had to be placed so that the bed could serve for sitting.

Tablecloth there was none; when friends did her the honour of coming to tea, Totty spread a newspaper.
The tea-service was, to say the least, primitive; four cups there were, but only two saucers survived, and a couple of teaspoons had to be shared harmoniously.

No one ever gave a thought to such trifles at Totty Nancarrow's.
Whilst the kettle boiled, Annie West provided diversion of a literary kind.