, perhaps the
note of amusement, made the saleswoman look at her suddenly and sharply.

But Patty's face was demure and showed only a desire to be conducted to
the right person.

"Come this way," said the young woman, shortly, and she led Patty,
between some heavy curtains, to a back room.

"This is our forewoman, Miss O'Flynn," she said, as she ushered Patty
into her presence.

Miss O'Flynn was an important looking woman who took in every detail of
Patty's appearance in a series of careful and systematic glances.

She seemed puzzled at what she saw, and said, inquiringly:

"Miss----?"

"Miss Fairfield," said Patty, pleasantly, "and I have come in answer to
your advertisement."

"For assistant milliner? You."

Miss O'Flynn was surprised out of her usual calm by the amazing
proposition of the young stranger.

"Yes," said Patty, quite calm herself. "I can trim hats very prettily."

"Did you trim the one you have on?"

"Well, no," admitted Patty. "I brought this from Paris. But I am sure I
can trim hats to suit you. May I try?"

"What experience have you had?"

"Well,--not any professional experience. You see, it is only recently
that I have desired to earn my own living."

"Oh,--sudden reverses," murmured Miss O'Flynn, thinking she had solved
the problem. "Well, my dear, you have evidently been brought up a lady,
so it will be hard for you to find work. I am sorry to say I cannot
employ you, as I engage only skilled workwomen."

"But trimming hats doesn't require professional skill," said Patty. "Only
good taste and a,--a sort of knack at bows and things."

Miss O'Flynn laughed.

"Everything requires professional skill," she returned. "A course of
training is necessary for any position."

"But if you'd try me," said Patty, quite unconscious that her tone was
pleading. "Just give me a day's trial, and if I don't make good, you
needn't pay me anything."

Miss O'Flynn was more puzzled than ever. Insistent though Patty was, it
didn't seem to her the insistence of a poor girl wanting to earn her
bread; it was more like the determination of a wilful child to attain its
desire.

So, moved rather by curiosity to see how it would turn out, than a belief
in Patty's ability, she said, coldly:

"I will do as you ask. You may go to the workroom for to-day; but on the
understanding that unless you show unusual skill or aptitude to learn,
you are not to be paid anything, nor are you to come to-morrow."

"A