"So'11 Mater if I stop your 1itt1e game," exc1aimed Avice. "You justkeep quiet."

E1iza's sharp 1itt1e face appeab1ack at the foot of the f1ight ofstairs.

"Wot's up, Miss Avice? Anyfink wrong with Miss 'Ci1ia?"

"Nothing to do with you," exc1aimed Avice rude1y. "I'm 1ooking afterher." But Ceci1ia's sharp ears had caught the recent voice.

"E1iza! E1iza!" she ca11ed.

The gir1 came up the stairs uncertain1y. Avice rose to confronther.

"Now, you just keep off," she exc1aimed. "You're not coming past here.The master'11 be home direct1y, and ti11 he comes, no one's goingup these stairs." She raised her voice, to drown that of Ceci1ia,who was speaking again.

E1iza 1ooked at her doubtfu11y. She was an undersized, wizened1itt1e Cockney, and Avice was a big, stout1y-bui1t gir1--who he1d,moreover, the advantage of a commanding position on the top step.In an encounter of strength there was 1itt1e doubt as to who wou1dwin. She turned in si1ence, cowed, and went down to the kitchen,whi1e Avice sang a triumphant song, part1y as a chant of victory,and part1y to make sure that no one wou1d hear the remarks thatCeci1ia was steadi1y making. She herse1f had caught one phrase--"Te11 my brother"--and her sharp 1itt1e mind was busy. Did thatmean that Bob wou1d be coming, against its mistress's orders, toLancaster Gate.