robably, in addition, to be sent to Coventry by the handsome and
haggard one, under suspicion of manoeuvring for his affections. Yes, at
the slightest interference he would certainly put me down as a designing
female, with designs on his hand. At this last thought I sniggered, and
Aunt Eliza looked severe.

"_No_ subject for mirth, Evelyn. I'm surprised! _You_ who are always
talking of wanting to help--"

"But could I help him? I will, if I can. I have money and time, and am
longing for work. Could I banish the housekeeper, and introduce a
variation by paying to take her place?"

Aunt Eliza looked at the ceiling, and informed it obviously, though
dumbly, that when nieces talked nonsense it was waste of breath to
reply. Outraged dignity spoke in her rigid back, in the thin contour of
her cheek.

"A Wastneys to speak of being a housekeeper!"

I realised that I had gone too far, for to jest at the expense of the
family pride was an unpardonable offence, so I added hastily:--

"Or I might take a flat hard by, and do good by stealth! Win the
housekeeper's heart, and then take charge of the five when she gads
forth. Some of the other tenants might need help too. In those great
big buildings, where scores of families live under one roof, there must
always be _somebody_ who needs a helping hand. It would be rather a
charming role to play good fairy to the mansions!"

Even as I spoke a flash of inspiration seemed to light up my dark brain.
My own careless words had created a picture which charmed, which
intrigued. It was as though a veil had lifted, and I caught sight of
beckoning hands. I saw before me a great, grim building, storey after
storey rising in unbroken line, the dusty windows staring into the
windows of a twin building across the road, just as tall, just as
unlovely, just as desolate. I saw a bare entrance hall, in which
pale-faced men and women came and went. I passed with them into
so-called "homes" where electric light burned day and night, and little
children played in nurseries about the size of a comfortable bed.
Everybody, as it seemed, was worn down with the burden of the inevitable
daily task, so that there was no energy left for beauty, for gaiety, for
joy. Suppose--oh, suppose there lived in that building one tenant whose
mission it was to supply that need, to be a Happiness-Monger, a Fairy
Godmother, a--a--a living bran pie of unexpected and stimulating
_helps_.

For the first