“Look here!” His kindly Cockney face peered into mine. “Let me give you your bed money. I can stand it all right.”

“It’s very kind of you.” It was a little difficult to speak, “but I don’t think I want a bed tonight. I’ll just go up to a lodging house I know and see if they’ll let me sit in the kitchen.”

“But you’re welcome, you know, you’re welcome!”

I knew that and told him so with considerable fervour.

“I’ve taken a liking to you, my gal,” said he. “I’m mostly here on the Embankment about twelve, and if you’re by tomorrow you’ll find me. Don’t be afraid, if you can’t get any work tomorrow; I shall make you take your bed money then.”

He did not try to induce me to stop and chat; he did not try to accompany me. He left me with a beaming smile and the assurance that he would be on the Embankment if I wanted him.