and out of tune,
but the old lady was kindly and affectionate, and her companion had the
pleasure of feeling that her services were appreciated. By this time,
however, she had fully grasped the fact that seven half-crowns equal
seventeen-and-six, and in the conviction that further effort was
required to secure herself from anxiety, had recommenced the daily
searchings of the newspaper columns. Then it was that she discovered an
advertisement which filled her with a sense of delighted amusement,
because of its strange likeness and yet contrast to the one of a month
before. Another lady, it appeared, was desirous of finding a companion,
but this time the advertiser was a champion of women's rights, who
wished to meet with someone of like opinions, who would walk with her in
the afternoons and discuss the problems and difficulties of the sex.

"`Curiouser and curiouser!'" quoted Norah to herself. "What a droll
coincidence. Now, if I had not--but of course as I _have_, I could not
possibly... And yet, why not? I am sure after being shut up in that
stuffy room all morning reading those dull, old-fashioned books, I am in
a most daring and revolutionary mood in the afternoons. I should not be
pretending to take an interest in the suffrage question; I should really
and truly feel it... It would be instructive to hear what this lady has
to say for herself, and then, after marching about the country listening
to her tirades, I should probably be quite thankful to get back to
medievalism and my dear old lady in the morning.--I'll do it! I will!
I'll go and see her without an hour's delay..."

The advertisement had not asked for a personal application, but Norah
had gained experience by this time, and was perfectly aware of the
advantage possessed by Miss Boyce in her sealskin coat and best hat,
over the "young persons" who, as a rule, applied for situations. She
intended to be not only heard but seen.

The advanced lady lived in a flat which was as artistic as the house in
Berrington Square was commonplace. She was a spinster of uncertain age,
tall and angular, and so formidable in appearance that at the sight of
her Norah was overcome with a panic of nervousness.

"Good afternoon," she stammered. "I--I saw your advertisement in the
_Daily News_, and thought that I would--that is to say, that I would
apply--that I would try to--to.--I hope I have not inconvenienced you by
calling in person!"

"Not at all, not at