have to shift for
ourselves now. I hope he will enjoy his unrighteous possessions. I--I
hate him!'

'What are we going to do?'

'Well,' said Agatha, rousing herself, 'we have been talking over
matters together. You see, we can be independent of each other if we
choose, for we are all of age, and have each about 100 pounds a year,
besides what the sale of this house will bring us.'

'Oh, she left us this house, did she? Then why can't we go on living
here?'

'The lease terminates at the end of this year, and we have not the
income to keep it up. Why, Elfie, a town house like this is ruinous
for people of small means! I feel anxious for us to have a home
together somewhere, even if we have to go into the country for it; but,
of course, I would not influence any of you to side with me against
your inclinations.'

'It would be an establishment of old maids; single women, shall we say?
It doesn't sound very nice, buried away in the country.'

Elfie spoke dubiously; then Gwen broke in, 'Well, if Clare is wise, she
will marry soon. I'm sure two years' engagement ought to be long
enough in all conscience to satisfy her!'

Clare's soft cheeks flushed a little.

'Hugh is going out to Africa, you know, with a survey party. We could
not settle till after that. He is quite of the same mind as I am on
that point!'

'Do you like the country plan, Gwen?' asked Elfie.

'Yes, I think I do. I am personally sick of town. A suburban life
would be intolerable, and we have all resources enough to prevent us
from stagnating.'

Elfie gave a little sigh.

'You don't know how I was looking forward to a London season. I have
been in Germany ever since I left school, studying music. And now what
is the good of it? I shall be out of touch with it entirely.'

'Would you like to stay in town for a little?' asked Agatha
sympathetically. 'We could easily arrange for you to board with some
nice people somewhere.'

'No, I will come with you, and see how it works. I suppose we shall
not be banished from London for ever? We can sometimes come up for a
short stay?'

'Oh yes, I think so. We have not settled where to live yet, but we
have been looking through some house agents' lists, and Gwen is full of
plans, as usual.'

'You would be badly off without me to keep you all alive,' said Gwen
laughing. 'If I were by myself, I would like nothing better than a
caravan or a house-boat; but that wouldn't suit all of us.'