cious bosom large brooches rose and fell
rhythmically. Her face was round and smooth as her voice. Her eyes were
almost severely healthy.

'I am sure it is very kind of you,' said Victoria. 'I don't know anybody
in London, you see.'

'That will not matter; that will not matter at all,' said Lady Rockham.
'Some people prefer those whose connections live in the country, yes,
absolutely prefer them. Why, friends come to me every day, and they are
clamouring for country girls, absolutely clamouring. I do hope you are
not too particular. For things are difficult in London. So very
difficult.'

'Yes, I know,' murmured Victoria, thinking of her unanswered
applications. 'But I'm not particular at all. If you can find me
anything to do, Lady Rockham, I should be so grateful.'

'Of course, of course. Now let me see. A young friend of mine has just
started a poultry farm in Dorset. She is doing very well. Oh! very well.
Of course you want a little capital. But such a very nice occupation for
a young woman. The capital is often the difficulty. Perhaps you would
not be prepared to invest much?'

'No, I'm afraid I couldn't,' faltered Victoria, wondering at what figure
capital began.

'No, no, quite right,' purred Lady Rockham, 'I can see you are quite
sensible. It is a little risky too. Yet my young friend is doing well,
very well, indeed. Her sister is in Johannesburg. She went out as a
governess and now she is married to a mine manager. There are so few
girls in the country. Oh! he is quite a nice man, a little rough, I
should say, but quite suitable.'

Victoria wondered for a moment whether her Ladyship was going to suggest
sending her out to Johannesburg to marry a mine manager, but the
Presence resumed.

'No doubt you would rather stay in London. Things are a little difficult
here, but very pleasant, very pleasant indeed.'

'I don't mind things being difficult,' Victoria broke in, mustering a
little courage. 'I must earn my own living and I don't mind what I do;
I'd be a nursery governess, or a housekeeper, or companion. I haven't
got any degrees, I couldn't quite be a governess, but I'd try anything.'

'Certainly, certainly, I'm sure we will find something very nice for
you. I can't think of anybody just now but leave me your address. I'll
let you know as soon as I hear of anything.' Lady Rockham gently crossed
her hands over her waistband and benevolently smiled at her protegee.

Victoria wrote down her address a