ith an idea of making something out of
it," said Hope, with a sigh. "That is the worst of being poor. The
money question seems eternally hovering in the background, whatever one
may do. I shall enjoy seeing Avice, of course; and if I can really help
Aunt Loftus, it will be comforting to feel that the advantage is mutual.
I wonder--What about clothes?"

"That is just what I have been thinking. We can't afford anything new
just now, for the bills are to heavy," replied Philippa sadly. "We can
only bestow our united treasures upon you, dear, and make you as smart
as possible. You shall have mother's old lace for your evening-frock;
but be careful of it, for if you damage it you need never face me again!
It is going to trim my wedding-dress one of these days."

"When the lordly male arrives before whom she is to grovel in the dust!
You shall have my feather boa, too. It will hide the shabby front of
your jacket;" and Theo sighed, for the feather boa was the pride of her
wardrobe, and represented months of saving and self-denial. It was none
of your thin, lanky wisps, but a really handsome boa, with a bloom on
the feathers like that on a hot-house grape. Theo was fastidious, and
would rather do without a thing altogether than accept a poor imitation.
She thought of her reduced appearance without the beloved fluffiness,
and heaved another sigh.

"Nothing to offer you, my dear. My wardrobe is of so limited a
character that if I gave anything away I should have to stay in bed
until it was returned," cried Madge cheerfully in her turn. "Accept my
blessing, and my earnest hope that the head of a great musical
publishing house may be among the guests, and will recognise in you the
coming genius of the day."

"So likely, isn't it? That sort of thing happens only in novels. The
house will probably be full of sporting men, who don't know one composer
from another, but who find it enlivening to listen to a `tune' in the
evening. Oh, if Minnie Caldecott would only write! I look out for that
letter every morning, but it never comes. Do you think I might send a
little note to jog her memory?"

"Certainly I do. I should think she was the sort of woman who needed a
good deal of jogging. Say that you are anxious to know whether she
wishes to secure the song, as, if not, you will offer it elsewhere.
There is nothing like appearing confident and unperturbed. I am sorry
you are going away, Hope, for I wanted you to sit