the sacrifices
that the purchase of the cheapest of these entailed; her observation
had told her with what pride they were worn, the infinite pleasure
which their possession bestowed on their owner. The cupboard's contents
seemed to Mavis to be eloquent of pinched meals, walks in bad weather
to save 'bus fares, mean economies bravely borne; to cry aloud of
pitiful efforts made by young hearts to secure a brief taste of their
rightful heritage of joy, of which they had been dispossessed.

Mavis turned away with a sigh.

Presently, in the cosiness of the bed-sitting room, Miss Nippett became
confidential.

"Are you ambitious?" she asked.

"I don't know," replied Mavis.

"I mean REELLY ambitious."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, like I am. I'm reelly ambitious."

"Indeed!"

"I want to be a partner in 'Poulter's.' Not for the money, you
understand, but for the honour. If I was made a partner, I'd die 'appy.
See?"

"I don't see why you shouldn't be some day. Mr Poulter might reward you
that way for your years of faithful service."

As Mavis walked back to Kiva Street, she asked herself the question
that Miss Nippett had asked her, "Was she ambitious?"

Now, her chief concern was to earn her daily bread. It was not so very
long ago that her ambition was in some way bound up with the romantic
fancies which she was then so fond of weaving. Now, the prospect of
again having to fight for the privilege of bread-winning drove all
thought from her mind beyond this one desire--to keep afloat without
exhibiting signals of distress to the Devitts.

Three days before Mavis left "Poulter's," she assisted at a Third
Saturday Night which was held, as usual, on that Saturday of the month
at the Athenaeum, Shepherd's Bush.

Mavis, dressed in her one evening frock and wearing her few trinkets,
went to the Athenaeum an hour before the public was expected, in order
to rehearse with the "Godolphin Band," which was always engaged for
these occasions. She was in some trepidation at having to accompany
professional musicians on the piano; she hoped that they would not find
fault with her playing. When she got to the hall, she found Mr Poulter
already there in evening dress, vainly striving to conceal his
excitement.

"Aren't you nervous?" he asked.

"I am rather," she replied, as she took off her coat.

"Oh, my dear, may an old man say how beautiful you look?"

"Why not?" asked Mavis, whose eyes were shining at the un