this may seem stupid enough to them who are in the
habit of searching long, and going far for pleasure, but with the help
of books and pencils, and lively conversation, the Elliotts were able to
find a great deal of enjoyment at such holiday times.

They had pleasures of another kind, too. Arthur's temporary connection
with one of the city newspapers, placed at their disposal magazines, and
a new book now and then, as well as tickets for lectures and concerts,
and there was seldom a treat of the kind but was highly enjoyed by one
or other of them.

They had not many acquaintances at this time. In Janet's estimation,
the averseness of Graeme to bring herself in contact with strangers, had
been a serious defect in her character. It was easier to avoid this in
the town than it used to be in the country, Graeme found. Besides, she
had no longer the sense of parish responsibilities as a minister's
daughter, and was inclined for quietness. Once or twice she made a
great effort, and went with an acquaintance to the "sewing meetings" of
the ladies of the church which they attended; but it cost her a great
deal of self-denial to very little purpose, it seemed to her, and so she
compromised the matter with her conscience, by working for, and being
very kind indeed, to a family of little motherless girls, who lived in a
lane near their house, and stayed at home. She was by no means sure
that she did right. For everybody knows, or ought to know, how
praiseworthy is the self-denial which is willing to give up an afternoon
every week, or every second week, to the making of pincushions, and the
netting of tidies, which are afterwards to appear in the form of
curtains or pulpit covers, or organs, or perhaps in the form of garments
for those who have none. But then, though the "sewing-circle" is the
generally approved and orthodox outlet for the benevolent feelings and
efforts of those dear ladies who _love to do good_, but who are apt to
be bored by motherless little girls, and other poor people, who live in
garrets, and out of the way places, difficult of access, it is just
possible that direct efforts in their behalf may be accepted too. One
thing is certain, though Graeme did not find it easy for a while to
satisfy herself, as to the "moral quality" of the motive which kept her
at home, the little Finlays were all the happier and better for the time
she conscientiously bestowed on them and their affairs.

They made some