ngs in the shop for
himself. After that, how could Mrs. James refuse him what he called "a
great favour" even if she'd wished to say no, which she didn't. On the
contrary, she was enchanted. Everything had worked together to make her
going possible. The curate had gone off for a holiday, giving her
permission to use his two rooms if she liked. I could have them till we
started; and she would ask a friend from next door to attend to the
shop, a nice girl who often helped her, if she were ill or had to go
away on a "curiosity quest." "Just think!" she exclaimed, "I've never
been to Scotland, though it's only eight miles distant, and I've pined
to go all my life. You'll find that I've a good book-knowledge of the
country, if that's any use, for my dear husband's favourite pastime has
been the study of history. Since he--left Carlisle, I've devoted much
time to following his researches."

The long words do come so nicely from her pretty little mouth, and she
shapes them with such care, that they seem to issue forth one by one
like neatly formed birds being let out of a cage. She is making a
speciality of pronunciation, and what she sometimes speaks of as
"refined wording." She was a farmer's daughter in Devonshire.

It was arranged that the girl from next door should be called in at
once, in order that Mrs. James and I might go and buy things. I was rich
on the proceeds of the brooch; for Mr. Somerled counted out the rest of
the money on the parlour table; and Mrs. James abetted him in saying
that fifty pounds was not a penny too much to lend on such a treasure.
But it does seem wonderful! Mrs. James herself must have felt flush
after making such good sales, and her eyes lit at the thought of a motor
hat and coat--they seemed exciting purchases. But when Mr. Somerled
mentioned the fact that mother is one of the best-dressed women in the
world, the little woman looked frightened. "I shan't dare take the
responsibility of choosing an outfit for the child, then," said she
nervously. (I do wish people wouldn't call me "child," though it's nicer
from Mrs. James than Mrs. West!) "Supposing she shouldn't make the
correct impression? Won't you be persuaded to help us, sir, with your
advice about the most important articles?"

Somehow I feel that Mr. Somerled hates "sir" as much as I hate "child."
I expected him to make an excuse, that he knew nothing about such
things--or "articles," according to Mrs. James. But instead, he snapp