it of mirror in the tobacconist," she nodded over her
shoulder. "I often freshen up in front of it when the mood takes me.
Many's the hat I've changed before that glass. But then I don't bother
much these days." Once again her critical glance came in his direction.
"After a time one loses interest, y'know."

The sentiment struck Richard chillily.

"And yet," he said, "you appear to have kept in touch with cheerfulness."

"Ah, but I'm old," she answered, "and to old people one thing's as good
as another. But if I was you I wouldn't be content."

"I've no intention of being content," he said. "I just happen to have
hit the rocks but I'll get sailing again one of these days."

"Well I'm glad to hear you say so, and now I must toddle along."

He asked what employment could engage her at so early an hour.

"I'm going to pick over the dustbins in Bond Street," she returned, and
added "You never know what you'll find. Only you must be early. Goo'
morning." And with a sunny smile the disreputable old thing shuffled
away warbling a snatch of song as she went.

"By Jove," said Richard, "I suppose that's about what I'm doing--picking
over dustbins and wondering what I shall find."

He looked across the park to where the golden orb of the sun was rising
over the tree tops and lifted his hat in salutation.

"Good morning, day," he said. "Your servant to command. Gad! but I
could do with some breakfast."

He rose and walked briskly toward Knightsbridge. The coffee stall by
Hyde Park Corner attracted his attention. A few early carters and an
occasional loafer were gathered about it and the smell of victuals was
tempting. Richard noticed the driver of a large dray was leaning against
the railings pouring tea into the saucer of his cup. He was a big man
and his apparel was conspicuous by the fact that he wore a collar but no
tie. The omission suggested an idea.

"Do you want a tie by any chance?" Richard asked and listened to a highly
decorated ambition to know what he was talking about.

"Only this," he answered. "I've a notion I could do with some breakfast
and it occurred to me as you might like to buy me one in exchange for a
perfectly good Etonian tie."

For a space the driver examined Richard's necktie in thoughtful silence
and his expression softened.

"I reckon that 'ud suit me," he observed judicially.

"It would," said Richard, "and a hard boiled egg would suit me with a cup
of coffee to moist