in its earliest stages. I'd live on tea and nuts. But it's a got-to!
I _must_ earn money, so I must work. The trouble is to discover what I
can do... I can think of thousands of things that I _can't_... I can--
with care--make five shillings go about as far as an ordinary person's
half-crown, so I'm not exactly suited to be a housekeeper. I couldn't
trim a hat to save my life, but I can alter one quite well. I'm clever
at it. It's generally accomplished by first sitting on it, and then
putting it on in the dark. You wouldn't believe how smart it can look!
Do you think there'd be any chance of selling the patent? Or could I
advertise in a fashion paper--`Lady remodels hats to latest mode. Send
orders for two and six to N.B.'? ... I can't write a book, or paint a
picture, or teach a child over three, or nurse, or massage, or type, or
keep a beauty parlour--or--or--or anything that working women _do_ do!
I might offer myself to the Educational Society, as a horrible example
of how a girl ought _not_ to be brought up, and be exhibited on the
platform at lectures. The work would be light, and I could wear pretty
clothes, but I don't think it would be respectful to my parents. I
think I must be a `nice old-fashioned girl,' but there's no demand for
old-fashioned girls to-day. Nobody wants them!"

"I don't agree with you there, Norah. I think there's a big demand,"
Mrs Ingram said quickly, and from the men present came a deep murmur of
agreement. No one present was in love with Norah Boyce herself, but all
were in love with her type. She would make a charming wife, a
delightful mother. To the end of her life she would probably have
difficulties with cheques, and remain hopelessly mixed on political
questions, but she would be a genius in the making of a home!

"You'll find your right niche, dear, I've no doubt of that. You mustn't
allow yourself to despair before you begin your search." Mrs Ingram
continued smiling. "Your ambition, at any rate, is a thing in which we
can all help. Please everybody remember Norah, and let her know at once
if you hear of a suitable post! I think we must make a strong point of
her disposition. Such a very sweet temper ought to be priced above
rubies."

"I'll sell it cheap at three pounds a week!" said Norah ruefully, and
there was a merry outburst of laughter. It died quickly, however, and a
general expectation made itself felt, the echo of which sounded in Mrs
Ingram