r her plate. This action was necessary to hide the smile
that rose to her lips and eyes at the recollection of yesterday's
applause, to which Miss Annie had referred. It had amused Mavis to
notice the isolated clapping which followed the execution of an item,
in the programme by a solitary performer; this came from her friends in
the room. The conclusion of a duet would be greeted by two patches of
appreciation; whilst a pianoforte concerto, which engaged sixteen
hands, merged the eight oases of applause into a roar of approval.

"How do you get to Paddington, Mavis?" asked Miss Helen, after she had
finished her meagre breakfast.

"From Addison Road," replied Mavis, who was still eating.

"Wouldn't Shepherd's Bush be better?" asked Annie, who was wondering if
she could find accommodation for a further piece of toast.

"I always recommend parents to send their daughters from Paddington via
Addison Road," remarked Helen severely.

"There are more trains from Shepherd's Bush," persisted Annie.

"Maybe, dear Annie" (when relations between the sisters were strained,
they made use of endearing terms), "but more genteel people live on the
Addison Road connection."

"But, Helen dear, the class of residence existing upon a line of
railway does not enable a traveller to reach his or her destination the
quicker."

"I was not aware, dear Annie, that I ever advanced such a proposition."

"Then there is no reason, dearest Helen, why Mavis shouldn't reach
Paddington by going to Shepherd's Bush."

"None, beyond the fact that it is decided that she shall travel by way
of Addison Road. Besides, Addison Road is nearer, dear."

"But the exercise of walking to Shepherd's Bush would do Mavis good
after the fatigues of yesterday, Helen."

"That is altogether beside the point, dear Annie."

"I am never listened to," complained her sister angrily.

"You argue for the sake of talking," replied the other crossly.

They continued in that strain for some moments, and were still at it
when Mavis went upstairs to put on her hat; here, she gave a last look
at herself in the glass.

"I wonder if I'll do?" she thought, as she dealt with one or two
strands of tawny coloured hair, which were still inclined to be
rebellious.

"I wonder if I'll meet anyone who remembers me?" she thought, as she
left the room.

Downstairs, the two old ladies were awaiting her in the hall. Miss
Helen was full of good advice for the journey, whilst Miss A