and done for'?" she asked sweetly.

"Not as yet; but I am thinking of taking steps to found a Girls'
Friendly Society. Such an institution will soon be a necessity in a
growing place like this."

"How nice it would be for me to go there instead of staying at--at a
boarding house!"

Juliette Trappeme's sallow face flushed with rage, and Mrs. Trappeme,
who saw that something was occurring, spoke loudly to Mr. Wooler, who
answered in his usual soft voice. But Mallard, who was seated next to
Miss Lilla Trappeme, shot Sheila an encouraging glance.

"Quite so," went on Mrs. Wooler. "I disapprove most strongly of any
young woman incurring risks that can be avoided."

"What risks?" and Sheila turned and looked steadily at Mrs. Wooler.

The sharp query somewhat upset the inquisitive lady, who hardly knew
what she meant herself.

"Oh, the risks of getting into debt--living beyond one's means--and
things like that."

"Oh, I see, madam," and Sheila bowed gravely, although the danger
signals were showing now on her cheeks. Then she added very clearly and
distinctly, "That would be most dreadful to happen to any one, would it
not, Mr. Assheton?"

"Oh, howwible--for a lady."

"But," she went on--and as she spoke she gazed so intently into Mrs.
Wooler's face that every one at the table saw her change colour--"but
I am sure, Mrs. Wooler, that no girl could possibly come to such a sad
condition while _you_ are in Townsville, to give her the benefit of
_your_ years, _your_ advice, and _your_ experience--even though that
advice was thrust upon her in a manner that I believe might possibly
cause well-deserved resentment," and then, with a scornful smile still
on her lips, she turned to Mr. Assheton and asked him sweetly if he did
not "think it was beginning to be very warm so early in the year?"

"By heavens!" mattered Mallard to Myra, "she has done the parson woman
good. Look at her face. It's unpleasant to look at."

Mrs. Wooler's features were a study. Unable to speak, and her hands
trembling with rage, she gave the girl one glance of hatred, and then
tried to eat; and Viveash, who had the sense to do so, at once began
telling her some idiotic and pointless story about himself when he sang
in a cathedral choir until his voice "failed him."

Just then a long ring was heard at the front door, and the butler
presently came to Mallard, and said--

"One of the reporters, sir, from the _Champion_ wishes to see you. Most
imp