nt merriment for a time. "How
absurd!" she said presently. "Gladder! I don't believe there is such a
word in the dictionary. Do you believe there is such a word in the
dictionary, dear?"

"I don't think there is," replied Flamby.

"No, I expect there isn't. I don't know that it may not be just as well.
Come along, dear. You can come, too, if you like, Don, or you might
prefer to look at your own drawings in the _Courier_. If I drew I should
love to look at my own drawings. You may smoke here, Don, of course. A
number of the residents smoke. Do you smoke, Flamby?"

"No, but I think I should like it."

"Quite agree. It _is_ soothing. You will wait here, then, Don? Come
along, dear."

IV

An hour later when Flamby and Don came out of The Hostel, the rain
clouds were breaking, and sunlight--somewhat feeble, but sunlight
withal--was seeking bravely to disperse the gloom. Flamby was conscious
of an altered outlook; the world after all was not utterly grey; such
was the healing influence of a sympathetic soul.

"You know," said Don, as they passed through the gateway, "I am
delighted with the way you have taken to the dear old Aunt. She is so
often misunderstood, and it makes me writhe to see people laugh at
her--unkindly, I mean. Of course her method of conversation is
ridiculously funny, I know; but a woman who can suffer the misfortunes
which have befallen the Aunt and come out with the heart of a child is
worth studying, I think. Personally, I always feel a lot better after a
chat with her. She is a perfect well of sympathy."

"I think she is the sweetest woman I have ever met," declared Flamby
earnestly. "How could anyone help loving her?"

"People don't or won't understand her, you see, and misunderstanding is
the mother of intolerance. Ah! there is a taxi on the rank."

"Oh," cried Flamby quickly--"please don't get another cab for me."

"Eh? No cab?"

"I cannot afford it and I could not think of allowing you to pay for
everything."

"Now let us have a thorough understanding, Flamby," said Don, standing
facing her, that sunny rejuvenating smile making his tanned face look
almost boyish. "You remember what I said on the subject of
misunderstanding? Listen, then: I am on leave and my money is burning a
hole in my pocket; money always does. If I had a sister--I have but she
is married and lives at Harrogate--I should ask her to take pity upon me
and spend a few days in my company. An exchange of views wit