like; it will make no difference to me."

"Yes, dear, it will; you are mistaken there. We shall have to wear
these things for a long time, and the day will come when it would worry
you very much to wear what you did not like. I know you feel no
interest just now, but it would be really unselfish to rouse yourself
enough to consider the question and help us with our work," said Hope,
the peacemaker, speaking just in time to stop Philippa's sharp retort
and so avert the threatened storm. Theo, the emotional, was always
ready to be swayed by a soft word; besides, she adored Hope, and was
especially sensitive to her wishes. So the black skirt was dropped to
the floor, and she came forward obediently to discuss the important
question of sleeves _versus_ yokes. It was wonderful how particular she
became when once her attention was aroused, and what precise
instructions she had to give concerning shape and size. Madge dropped
her chin until it looked longer than ever, and exchanged a sly glance
with Philippa; for if the two middle girls paired together, the eldest
and youngest had a wonderful sympathy of feeling, and rarely failed to
understand an unspoken message.

"Very well, then; _that's_ settled," said Theo, in conclusion. "And
when it is done you needn't trouble to make anything more for me, for if
there is any chance of going to London before winter I would rather wait
and get what I want when we can shop in comfort. Did you see Mr
Matthews to-day, Stephen, and tell him that this house might be to let
at Michaelmas?"

Poor Stephen! He quaked behind his newspaper, knowing that his hour had
come. "No-o, not to-day," he said feebly; and then Madge must needs
fall upon him in her turn, and cry:

"Oh Steve, how foolish! We told you he was looking at the Masons' house
last week, and if you put off seeing him he may take it before he knows
there is a chance of getting this one. You really must go to-morrow.
If we let him slip, goodness knows when we may find another tenant."

Stephen put down the newspaper and braced himself for the fray. After
all, he was the eldest of the family, the man and master, and it was
cowardice to shrink from what a girl might say! "I can't see him
to-morrow, for I shall be otherwise engaged. I have had a letter from
Uncle Loftus to say that he and Aunt Gertrude are coming down to-morrow
to talk over arrangements with us and give us their advice as to the
future. When I wrote t