two
years' training in the Physical Culture College. You know, when Ethel
and I entered for training, there was a good demand for teachers of
physical culture, but now, alas! the supply exceeds the demand, and it
has been such a great trouble to Ethel that she could not get a post,
and begin to repay her mother for the outlay. She failed every time she
tried to secure an appointment; the luck seemed always against her. And
now she was next to me, and I had only to step aside to enable her to
receive the appointment."

"And you did so! That is just like you, Mary. You will never get on in
the world. What will people say? They are already wondering why my
clever sister is not more successful."

"Does it really matter what people think?" questioned Mary, and there
was a far-away look in her blue eyes, as she glanced through the window
at the wide stretch of moorland to be seen from it.

She had been to London to try to secure an appointment as teacher of
physical culture at a large ladies' college. There were several
applicants for the appointment, which was worth L100 a year and board
and lodging, not bad for a commencement, and she was successful.

The lady principal came out to tell her so, and mentioned that Ethel
Forrest, her college friend, was the next to her, adding that the latter
appeared to be a remarkably nice girl and very capable. In a moment, as
Mary realised how terrible poor Ethel's disappointment would be, she
resolved to step aside in order that her friend might have the
appointment.

The lady principal was surprised, and a little offended, but forthwith
gave Ethel Forrest the post, and Mary was more than repaid by Ethel's
unbounded gratitude.

"I can't tell you what it is to me to obtain this good appointment," she
said, when they came away together. "Poor mother will now cease to
deplore the money she could so ill afford to spend on my training. You
see, it seemed as if she had robbed the younger children for me, and
that it was money thrown away when she could so ill spare it, but now I
shall repay her as soon as possible out of my salary, and the children
will have a chance."

"Yes, I know. That is why I did it," Mary said. "And I am happy in your
happiness, Ethel darling."

"But I am afraid it is rather irksome for you, living so long with your
sister and brother-in-law, although they are so well off," Ethel
remarked, after a while.

"That is a small matter in comparison," Mary said ligh