Part 25 (1/2)
Mr Poulter laughed uneasily before saying:
”'Poulter's' would not occupy its present position if it were not for its straightforward dealing. What shall we play?”
Mavis, feeling light-hearted, was on the point of saying ”Snap,” but feared that the fact of her suggesting such a frivolous game might set her down as an improper person in the eyes of ”Poulter's.”
”Do you know 'Casino'?” asked Mr Poulter.
”I'm afraid I don't,” replied Mavis.
”A grand old game; we must teach you another time. What do you say to 'Old Maid'?”
They played ”Old Maid” deliberately, solemnly. After a time, Mavis had a strong suspicion that Miss Nippett was cheating in order that Mr Poulter might win; also, that Mr Poulter was manoeuvring the cards so that Mavis might not be declared ”old maid.”
This belief was strengthened when Mavis heard Miss Nippett say to Mr Poulter, at the close of the game:
”She ought to 'ave been 'old maid.'”
”I know, I know,” replied Mr Poulter. ”But I want her first evening at 'Poulter's' to be quite 'appy and 'omelike.”
”Did you easily find 'Poulter's'?” asked Mr Poulter presently of Mavis.
”I had no number, so I had to ask,” she replied.
”Then, of course, you were directed at once,” suggested Mr Poulter eagerly.
Mavis's consideration for the old man's feelings was such that she thought a fib was justified.
”Yes,” she said.
Mr Poulter's eyes lit with happiness.
”That's the advantage of being connected with 'Poulter's,'” he said.
”You'll find it a great help to you as you make your way in the world.”
”I'm sure of it,” remarked Mavis, with all the conviction she could muster. After a few moments' silence, she said:
”There's another dancing academy on the other side of the road.”
Mavis was surprised to see Mr Poulter's gentle expression at once change to a look of intense anger.
”Gellybrand's! Gellybrand's! The scoundrel!” cried Mr Poulter, as he thumped his fist upon the table.
”I'm sorry. I didn't know,” said Mavis.
”What? You haven't heard of the rivalry between mushroom Gellybrand's and old-established 'Poulter's'?” exclaimed Mr Poulter.
Mavis did not know what to say.
”Some people is ignorant!” commented Miss Nippett at her silence.