ousands of things I want to know
about the place, and the workpeople, and where to send, and what to do
when things happen--they always _are_ happening in a house, and I've a
sort of conviction that you could tell me! I'm rather a lazy person,
but I get things done. Providence is kind in sending along people to do
them for me."

Such was the magnetism of the dimpling smile that Miss Bruce entirely
forgot that this was the person who in the present instance had
volunteered to help herself, and stammered ardent promises. Anything
she could do! Everything she could do. Only too pleased and proud--

"_That's_ all right, then. And about those daffodils! _Don't_ you
think they'd look better massed together into little groups? They do
look so plaintive fading away all on their own little lones. You'd get
more effect from good-sized bunches!"

"Well, I can try!" Miss Bruce conceded amiably, and for the next ten
minutes she worked diligently, carrying out the instructions given by a
soft voice, and a waving hand in an exquisitely fitting glove. The
result was distinctly to the good, and Grizel had no hesitation in
taking her due share of praise.

"We _have_ done them well!" she said graciously at parting, and Miss
Bruce magnanimously agreed.

"Thank you so much for your help!"

Grizel made another short cut through a pew, and was intercepted by the
Vicar's wife, who had been watching the _tete-a-tete_ with wondering
eyes. Mrs Martin Beverley, and poor Miss Bruce! What on earth had
they found to talk about all that time? Her keen eyes were alight with
curiosity, but Grizel vouchsafed no information; she knew without
hearing what the good lady would have to say, and was in no mind to hear
it. Perhaps of all sins, pride is the most universal, and the most
varied in the manner of its presentment. It hides itself under many
disguises, obtrudes its head in the most unexpected situations. The
socialist railing at society, and calling upon mankind to follow his
example, is often more inflated with pride than the aristocrats against
whom he inveighs: an ardent philanthropist living happily among East End
roughs, will display unexpected bristles to a fellow-worker who has not
known the advantages of a public school; so Grizel Beverley, looking
down on the small folk of Chumley from the altitude of her past
experiences, failed to grasp Infinitesimal distinctions, and saw no
reason why she should be hindered thereby.