ing tears. Pause to wonder if it might not
be better to make a man happy rather than to live alone, even if one
were not really in love?

Pause to decide. Certainly not! Don't be weak-minded. A grave
injustice to him, as well as to yourself.

Pause to dream of Charmion and Kathie, and feel lone and lorn because
they don't write.

Grand decision. Always to be kind and considerate. To write regularly
to lonely friends. Never to wax cross or impatient, neglect a duty, nor
fail to render a service. To devote special attention and lavish
special sympathy on spinsters in basement flats.

The orphan came into the room just as I was in the full flush of my
resolutions. I snapped her head off, and found fault for five minutes
on end. She departed--in tears.

Three weeks have passed by. I have written to Charmion, a letter full
of love, and without one complaining word. I have written to Kathie,
taking an interest in all the details of her new life; I have written to
Delphine, dropping words in season. I have worked hard for the Red
Cross classes. I have wheeled out the small Manners, and dispensed
various teas to Winifred and Marion Thorold. I have met their father
several times at the Manners' flat, and have likewise--low be it
spoken--received two evening calls from him in my own domain. He says
it is such a comfort to find a kind, motherly woman with whom to talk
over his difficulties! He hesitates to trouble Mrs Manners, who is
already overworked. Winifred holds one shoulder a little higher than
the other. Does that mean anything wrong with the spine? Ought she to
lie down flat? Billie, the curly two-year-old, is always catching cold.
Do I think his perambulator gets damp in the basement store-room? The
grocer's bill was nineteen shillings last week. In "my girl's time" (I
love to hear him say "My girl!") it was never above thirteen. Miss
Brown, the housekeeper, is hinting that she needs a holiday. It would
be a relief to be rid of her, but--who would take charge while she was
away?

"Why not make it a general holiday? Lend me the little girls, farm out
the babies to relations, throw off responsibilities, and have a real
laze yourself. You know you would love it!" I said. "Haven't you a
man friend who would take you away?"

"Oh, rather. The best of fellows. We were boys together. He's had a
stiff time, too, so he understands. Miss Harding, what a brick you are!
Will you really take t