gh and
jeer; but, speaking for myself, no mockery that you are able to fling at
us, can sting _me_ like the thought of the hypocrisy of that Commission!
Do you wonder that when we think of it--you men who have power and don't
use it!--do you wonder that women come out of their homes--young, and
old, and middle-aged--that we stand up here in the public places and
give you scorn for scorn?'

As the unheroic figure trembling stepped off the bench, she found Vida
Levering's hand held out to steady her.

'Take my seat,' said the younger woman.

She stood beside her, for once oblivious of Ernestine, who was calling
for new members, and giving out notices.

Vida bent over the shapeless mauve bundle. 'You asked that woman to go
with you. I wish you'd take me.'

'Ah, my dear, _I_ don't need to go again. I thought to have that lady
see it would do good. Her husband has influence, you see.'

'But you've just said the men are useless in this matter.'

She had no answer.

'But, I believe,' Vida went on, 'if more women were like you--if they
looked into the thing----'

'Very few could stand it.'

'But don't hundreds of poor women "stand" much worse?'

'No; they drink and they die. I was ill for three months after my first
experience even of the tramp ward.'

'Was that the first thing you tried?'

'No. The first thing I tried was putting on a Salvation Army bonnet, and
following the people I wanted to help into the public-houses, selling
the _War Cry_.'

'May one wear the uniform who isn't a member of the Army?'

'It isn't usual,' she said slowly. And then, as though to give the _coup
de grace_ to the fine lady's curiosity, 'But that was child's play.
Before I sampled the tramp ward, I covered myself with Keating's powder
from head to foot. It wasn't a bit of good.'

'When may I come and talk to you?'

'Hello, Mrs. Thomas!' Vida turned and found the Lady Sophia at her side.
'Why, father!--Oh, I see, Miss Levering. Well'--she turned to the woman
in the corner--'how's the House of Help?'

'Do you know about Mrs. Thomas's work?' Vida asked.

'Well, rather! I collect rents in her district.'

'Oh, do you? You never told me.'

'Why should I tell you?'

Ernestine was dismissing the meeting.

'You are very tired,' said Lord Borrodaile, looking at Vida Levering's
face.

'Yes,' she said. 'I'll go now. Come, Sophia!'

'We shall be here on Thursday,' Ernestine was saying, 'at the same hour,
and we hope a great ma