Harriet made no reply, but speedily dressed and went out.

She took an omnibus eastward, and sought a neighbourhood which most decently dressed people would have been chary of entering after nightfall, or indeed at any other time, unless compelled to do so.

The girl found the object of her walk in a dirty little public-house at the corner of two foul and narrow by-ways.

She entered by a private door, and passed into a parlour, which was behind the bar.
A woman was sitting in the room, beguiling her leisure with a Sunday paper.

She was dressed with vulgar showiness, and made a lavish display of jewellery, more or less valuable.