‘Oh, I don’t mind that, sir.’ Tears of relief flooded May’s cheeks. ‘I’ll do anything you ask. You’ve been so good to me. I never meant to do wrong by you.’

Mr Freeman’s stern demeanour relaxed slightly. ‘I believe you. And I understand why you felt you had to do something to save your friend; but you should have come straight to me with the problem. There are organisations that have been set up to deal with exactly this.’

He turned his attention to Patty, who was snivelling quietly.

‘Which brings me to the question of what should be done with you. I do not propose to go into the rights and wrongs of why you were dismissed. If a lesson was required, I am sure you have learned it. You ought to have remembered, May, that I have been working with some gentlemen who are concerned about the fate of girls such as Patty, and I have agreed to contribute to a project they have in mind. There is a house intended for the accommodation of women who have been occupied in the trade you have been forced into. It offers a roof and regular, wholesome meals for those who are prepared to forsake the streets and learn some other way of supporting themselves.’ He paused. ‘I am in some doubt about the wisdom of sending you there, because you will inevitably come under the influence of women who are much more experienced in this shameful business than you are; but I trust that you will see the contrast between their way of life and what you are being offered and make the right choice. Do you have any skills to offer?’

‘She was taught the same as me,’ May put in before Patty could answer. ‘She can clean and cook – Patty’s a good cook. She always did well in those classes.’

‘Would you be prepared to go into service again?’ Mr Freeman asked.

Patty sniffed and nodded. ‘I didn’t know when I was well off. I won’t make the same mistake again.’

‘Very well. From time to time I learn from friends that they are seeking a girl to help in their houses. If you apply yourself and I get a good report of your conduct in the home, I might be prepared to recommend you, on a trial basis. But I need to be sure that you will not let me down.’

‘I won’t, sir. I swear. If I get a second chance I won’t let it slip out of my hands.’