act remark. He was a little surprised by her speech to him, and
hardly thought she could be in earnest. In fact, he suspected her of a
mere desire to attract his attention.

"I thought you were at the Frivolity?" he said.

"I have left the Frivolity," she answered abruptly. "This afternoon's
engagement is the only one I have had for a fortnight; and I have
nothing in prospect."

He gave her a keener look, and in spite of her brave bearing and her
dainty clothes, he thought he perceived a slight pinching of the
delicate features, a dark shade beneath the eyes which--if he remembered
rightly--had not been there two months before. Was it possible that the
girl was really in want? Could he put his hand into his pocket and offer
her money? He might make the attempt at any rate.

"Can I be of any use to you--in this way?" he began, inserting two
fingers into his waistcoat-pocket in a sufficiently significant manner.

He was aware of his mistake the next moment. An indignant flush spread
over the girl's whole face; her eyes expressed such hurt surprise that
Mr. Lepel felt rather ashamed of his suggestion.

"I did not ask you for money," said Miss West; "I asked if you could get
me something to do." Then she turned away with a gesture which Hubert
took for one of mere petulance, though the feeling that actuated it
bordered more nearly on despair. "Oh," she said with a quick nervous
irritation audible in her tone, "I thought that you would
understand!"--and her beautiful dark eyes swam in tears.

They were still standing on the pavement, and at that moment two or
three passers-by shouldered Hubert somewhat roughly, and stared at the
girl to whom he was speaking. Hubert placed himself at her side.

"Come," he said--"Walk on a few paces with me, and make me understand
what you want when we get to a quieter spot."

She bowed her head; it was evident that if she had spoken the tears
would have fallen from her eyes. Hubert turned up the comparatively dark
and quiet street in which stood the theatre that he had just visited;
but for a few minutes he did not speak. At last he said in the soothing
voice which was sometimes thought to be his greatest charm--

"Now will you make me understand? I beg your pardon for having offended
you by my offer of help; I meant it in all kindness. You have not an
engagement just now, you say?"

"It is not easy to get one," said the girl, with a quiver in her proud
young voice. "It is not a g