byl Carnaby
went to church as a matter of course, and never spoke for or against
orthodoxy. Had Sibyl been more 'advanced' in this direction,
undoubtedly Alma would long ago have followed her example. Both of
them, in girlhood, had passed through a great deal of direct religious
teaching--and both would have shrunk amazed if called upon to make the
slightest sacrifice in the name of their presumed creed.

This morning, however, Alma remained at home, and one of the first
things she did was to write to Sibyl, asking when it would be
convenient for her friend to give her half-an-hour's private talk. Then
she wrote to Felix Dymes, addressing the letter to the care of his
publishers. At midday, as Harvey had gone to town on his business with
Cecil Morphew, she decided to run over to Kingsbury-Neasden and ask her
friends for lunch, in return for which she would make known to them her
startling project. It was a wretched day; Hughie must not go out, and
Pauline--good creature--would amuse him in one way and another all the
afternoon.

As it chanced, her surprise visit could not have been worse timed, for
Mrs. Leach was in a state of collapse after a violent quarrel, the day
before, with her cook-housekeeper, who quitted the house at a moment's
notice. Luncheon, in the admissible sense of the word, there was none
to be had. Mr. Leach, finding the house intolerable when he arrived on
Saturday afternoon, had gone back to his bachelor quarters, and the
girls, when Alma presented herself, were just sitting down alone to
what the housemaid chose to give them. But such an old friend could not
be turned away because of domestic mishap.

Not until they had despatched the unsatisfactory meal, and were cosy in
the drawing-room, did Alma reveal her great purpose. Dora Leach
happened to have a slight acquaintance with a professional pianist who
had recently come before the public, and Alma began by inquiring
whether her friend could obtain information as to the expenses of the
first 'recital' given by that lady.

'I'm afraid I don't know her quite well enough,' replied Miss Leach.
'What's it for? Are you thinking----? Really? You _really_ are?'

The sisters became joyously excited. Splendid idea! They had feared it
was impossible. Oh, she might count with certainty upon a brilliant
success! They began to talk about the programme. And what professionals
would she engage to take part in the concert? When Alma mentioned that
the illust