Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. I, 1889.djvu/93

 lay (Clara had to share it with them), and a mattress placed on the floor, where reposed little Tom; a low chest of drawers with a very small looking-glass upon it, a washstand, a few boxes. Handsome girls, unfortunate enough to have brains to boot, do not cultivate the patient virtues in chambers of this description.

There was a knock at the door. Clara found her father standing there.

"Have you anything to tell me, my girl?" he asked in a subdued voice, furtively regarding her.

"I shall go on Monday."

He drew back a step, and seemed about to return to the other room.

"Father, I shall have to give Mrs. Tubbs the five shillings for a few weeks. She's going to let me have a new dress."

"Your earnin's is your own, Clara."

"Yes, but I hope very soon to be able to give you something. Its hard for you, having no work."

John brightened wonderfully.