The employment was precarious; even with luck in the way of tips it meant nothing very brilliant; but something had happened lately which made Polly indifferent to this view of the matter.

She had a secret, and enjoyed it all the more because it enabled her to excite not envy alone, but dark suspicions in the people who observed her.
Mrs.Bubb, for instance--who so far presumed upon old acquaintance as to ask blunt questions, and offer homely advice--plainly thought she was going astray.

It amused Polly to encourage this misconception, and to take offence on every opportunity.

As she went down into the kitchen she fingered a gold watch-chain that hung from her blouse to a little pocket at her waist.

Mrs.Bubb would spy it at once, and in course of the quarrel about this morning's hot water would be sure to allude to it.
It turned out one of the finest frays Polly had ever enjoyed, and was still rich in possibilities when, at something past eleven, the kitchen door suddenly opened and there entered Mr.Gammon..