to
maintain her best. There were times when she thought wearily of Mr
Hammond's suggestion of "the bonnet-shop," and realised that millinery
would have been easier end more remunerative, but there was never an
hour when she regretted her choice of a career. It seemed to her that
no other work could be so absorbing--such a constant refuge from self.

Fortune had evidently made up her mind to smile upon the Charrington
sisters this Christmas-tide, for Minnie Caldecott approved
enthusiastically of the design for her concert programme, and the
nursery frieze found a purchaser the first time it was exhibited. Madge
had summoned courage to show the latter to "Pepper" on its completion,
when he found a dozen faults, and made huge pencil-markings to
illustrate his meaning, the while the artist writhed in agony; but
finally he turned up trumps in the most delightful manner by giving her
an introduction to the firm with whom she finally transacted her
bargain. Judging from the experiences of the past few months, she had a
future before her in this particular branch of her art, and might in
time make a comfortable income; but it was not in the least the work she
had coveted. She burned to create great subjects on great canvases--to
paint with strong, lurid brush--and lo! it appeared that it was her
mission to design pretty leaflets and comic pictures for the nursery.
It was a blow, but Madge had the good sense to realise that it is better
to excel in humble work than to struggle painfully after the
unattainable.

As for Hope, she sang and danced about the house with a sudden return to
her old light spirits, which puzzled two sisters, and furnished valuable
copy to a third. The short interview with Truda Bennett had made
everything rose-coloured again, though in truth it was a trifle
exasperating to remember Mrs Loftus's invitation. Oh, to think that
even now she might have been at The Shanty, with no secret promise to
hinder her enjoyment of Ralph's society; that they might have been
walking together along the country lanes; sitting side by side in the
evenings!

"That tonic has given you quite a colour. I shall try it myself," said
Philippa, looking up from her stocking-basket to admire the sweet
pink-and-white face at the opposite side of the table. "Mr Neil was
saying the other day that so few town girls have any colour. I have
lost mine with sitting so much in the house, but I might try what a
bottle would do.