her tongue, I shall pick it up!"

Mrs. Gallilee's manner was encouraging at the outset. She had left
her writing-table; and she now presented herself, reclining in an
easy chair, weary and discouraged--the picture of a woman in want of a
helpful friend.

"My head aches with adding up figures, and writing letters," she said.
"I wish you would finish my correspondence for me."

Miss Minerva took her place at the desk. She at once discovered the
unfinished correspondence to be a false pretence. Three cheques for
charitable subscriptions, due at that date, were waiting to be sent
to three secretaries, with the customary letters. In five minutes, the
letters were ready for the post. "Anything more?" Miss Minerva asked.

"Not that I remember. Do you mind giving me my fan? I feel perfectly
helpless--I am wretchedly depressed to-day."

"The heat, perhaps?"

"No. The expenses. Every year, the demands on our resources seem to
increase. On principle, I dislike living up to our income--and I am
obliged to do it."

Here, plainly revealed to the governess's experienced eyes, was another
false pretence--used to introduce the true object of the interview,
as something which might accidentally suggest itself in the course of
conversation. Miss Minerva expressed the necessary regret with innocent
readiness. "Might I suggest economy?" she asked with impenetrable
gravity.

"Admirably advised," Mrs. Gallilee admitted; "but how is it to be done?
Those subscriptions, for instance, are more than I ought to give. And
what happens if I lower the amount? I expose myself to unfavourable
comparison with other people of our rank in society."

Miss Minerva still patiently played the part expected of her. "You might
perhaps do with only one carriage-horse," she remarked.

"My good creature, look at the people who have only one carriage-horse!
Situated as I am, can I descend to that level? Don't suppose I care two
straws about such things, myself. My one pride and pleasure in life is
the pride and pleasure of improving my mind. But I have Lady Northlake
for a sister; and I must not be entirely unworthy of my family
connections. I have two daughters; and I must think of their interests.
In a few years, Maria will be presented at Court. Thanks to you, she
will be one of the most accomplished girls in England. Think of Maria's
mother in a one-horse chaise. Dear child! tell me all about her lessons.
Is she getting on as well as ever?"

"Exami