air, though neat, showed obvious lack of
care, having none of the silky sheen which rewards regular systematic
brushing. So far bad, but, in spite of all drawbacks, it was an
interesting face, and Claire felt attracted, despite the preliminary
disappointment.

"There's some bacon in that dish. It will be cold, I'm afraid. You can
ring, if you like, and ask them to warm it up, but they'll keep you
waiting a quarter of an hour out of spite. I've given it up myself."

"Oh, I'm accustomed to French breakfasts. I really want nothing but
some bread and coffee." Claire sipped at her cup as she finished
speaking, and the sudden grimace of astonishment which followed roused
her companion to laughter.

"You don't like it? It isn't equal to your French coffee."

"It isn't coffee at all. It's undrinkable!" Claire pushed away her cup
in disgust. "Is it always as bad as that?"

"Worse!" said Miss Rhodes composedly. "They put in more this morning
because of you. Sometimes it's barely coloured, and it's always
chicory." She shrugged resignedly. "No English landlady can make
coffee. It's no use worrying. Have to make the best of what comes."

"Indeed I shan't. Why should I? I shan't try. There's no virtue in
drinking such stuff. We provide the coffee--what's to hinder us making
it for ourselves?"

"No fire, as a rule. Can't afford one when you are going out
immediately after breakfast."

Claire stared in dismay. It had never occurred to her that she might
have to be economical to this extent.

"But when it's very cold? What do you do then?"

"Put on a jersey, and nurse the hot-water jug!"

Claire grimaced, then nodded with an air of determination.

"I'll buy a machine! There can be no objection to that. You would
prefer good coffee, wouldn't you, if you could get it without any more
trouble?"

"Oh, certainly. I'll enjoy it--while it lasts!"

"Why shouldn't it last?"

Miss Rhodes stared across at the eager young face. She looked tired,
and a trifle impatient.

"Oh, my dear girl, you're _New_. We are all the same at first--bubbling
over with energy, and determined to arrange everything exactly as we
like. It's a phase which we all live through. Afterwards you don't
care. You are too tired to worry. All your energy goes on your day's
work, and you are too thankful for peace and quietness to bother about
details. You take what comes, and are thankful it's not worse."

Claire's smile sho