at present, but I'll make inquiries
among my friends. There ought not to be any difficulty. So many people
winter abroad; and there is quite a craze for these physical exercises.
Oh, yes, my dear, I am sure I can help. Poor thing! poor girl! it's so
important to keep her health. I must find some one who will be
considerate, and not work her too hard."

She spoke as if the post were a settled thing; as if there were several
posts from which to choose. Probably there were. Among her large
circle of wealthy friends this popular and influential woman, given a
little trouble, could almost certainly find a chance for Sophie Blake.
_Given a little trouble_! That was the rub! Five out of six of the
women who had thronged Lady ---'s rooms that afternoon would have
dismissed Sophie's case with an easy sympathy, "Poor creature! Quite
too sad, but really, you know, my dear, it's a shocking mistake to
recommend any one to a friend. If anything goes wrong, you get blamed
yourself. Isn't there a Home?" Mrs Willoughby was the exception to
the rule; she helped in deed, as well as in word. Claire looked at the
large plain face with a very passion of admiration.

"Oh, I wish all women were like you! I'm so glad you are rich. I hope
you will go on growing richer and richer. You are the right person to
have money, because you help, you _want_ to help, you remember other
women who are poor."

"My dear," said Mrs Willoughby softly, "I have been poor myself. My
father lost his money, and for years we had a hard struggle. Then I
married--for love, my dear, not money, but there was money, too,--more
money than I could spend. It was an intoxicating experience, and I
found it difficult not to be carried away. My dear husband had settled
a large income on me, for my own use, so I determined, as a safeguard,
to divide it in two, and use half for myself and half for gentlewomen
like your friend, who need a helping hand. I have done that now for
twenty-five years, but I give out of my abundance, my dear; it is easy
for me to give money; I deserve no credit for that."

"You give time, too, and sympathy, and kindness. It's no use, Mrs
Willoughby. I've put you on the topmost pinnacle in my mind, and
nothing that you can say can pull you down. I think you are the best
woman in London!"

"Dear, dear, you will turn my head! I'm not accustomed to such
wholesale flattery," cried Mrs Willoughby, laughing; then the car
stopped, a