dimple reappeared in her cheek and she burst into peals
of most musical laughter. Don laughed, too; so that presently they
became quite breathless but perfectly happy.

III

"I vote," said Don, "that we consult the Aunt. She resides at Number
Nineteen on this floor, and her guidance in such a matter as furnishing
would be experienced and reliable."

"Right-oh," replied Flamby buoyantly. "I have a little money saved up."

"Don't worry about money. The pension has been finally settled between
Mr. Nevin and the Government people, and it dates from the time----"

"Of dad's death? But mother used to draw that."

"I am speaking of the special pension," explained Don hurriedly, as they
walked along the gallery, "which Mr. Nevin has been trying to arrange.
This ante-dates, and the first sum will be quite a substantial one;
ample for the purpose of furnishing. Here is the Aunt's."

Pausing before a door numbered 19, and bearing a brass plate inscribed
"Mrs. Chumley," Don pressed the bell. Whilst they waited, Flamby studied
the Aunt's curtains (which were snowy white) with critical eyes and
tried to make up her mind whether she liked or disliked the sound of
"Mrs. Chumley."

"The Aunt is apparently not at home," said Don, as no one responded to
the ringing. "Let us return to Number 23 and summon Reuben, who will
possibly know where she has gone."

Accordingly they returned to the empty suite and rang a bell which
summoned the janitor. Following a brief interval came a sound resembling
that of a drinking horse and there entered a red-whiskered old man with
a neatly pimpled nose, introducing an odour of rum. He was a small man,
but he wore a large green apron, and he touched the brim of his bowler
hat very respectfully.

"Excuse me breathin' 'eavy, sir," he said, "but it's the _hahsma_. The
place is hall ready for the young madam, sir, to move 'er furniture in,
and Mrs. Chumley she's in the readin'-room."

"Ah, very good, Reuben," replied Don. "Will you get the trunk and basket
in from the taxi, and you might pay the man. The fare was four and
something-or-other. Here are two half-crowns and sixpence."

"Yes, sir," responded Reuben; "and what time am I to expect the other
things?"

"Miss Duveen is not quite sure, Reuben, when they will arrive. As a
matter of fact, she has several purchases to make. But probably the bulk
of it will arrive to-morrow afternoon."

"Yes, sir," said Reuben, and departed respiring nois