better with the maid. It is the art of a good
general to place his forces in the best position."

"Yes, of course, dear. It's quite--quite right! Arrange everything as
you think best," replied Ruth sweetly, kissing the little, wistful face
as she spoke; for Mrs Connor was still very fragile, and by Dr
Maclure's orders had to be spared all possible worry.

The same orders were extended to forbid Ruth from taking advantage of
Lady Margot's offer to procure work at a distance.

"Unless it proves absolutely impossible to find a suitable post here, I
don't think it would be wise to subject your mother to any further
anxiety. She would be constantly worrying about your welfare, and that
is the very thing we wish to avoid. Would it be a great disappointment
to you to give up going to London?" he inquired, with a quick, grave
look at Ruth's face.

"It would be a blessed relief. I'd a million times rather be at home;
but what can I find to do? I am ashamed to think how incompetent I am!
Here we are back again where we were three months ago, Dr Maclure, when
I worried you and Eleanor about a vocation!"

Ruth smiled, then flushed crimson at a sudden remembrance of how that
conversation had ended. She was immeasurably thankful to the doctor for
looking in an opposite direction and continuing to talk in the most
matter-of-fact manner.

"It occurred to me last night that I knew of a post which might suit you
for the next few months. The secretary of our Home for Nurses is on the
point of breaking down, and needs a good rest. The work needs no
special knowledge; it consists mainly in answering endless notes of
inquiries, and in keeping some very simple accounts. I could soon coach
you up in what is necessary. You would have to be there from ten to
six--not heavy hours, as things go. I think I could secure the post for
you for, say, the next three months, if you cared to accept it."

"And how much should I get?"

"Miss Edgar's salary is forty pounds; you would get a fourth of that--"

"Ten pounds!" Ruth stared at him with dilated eyes. "Ten pounds!
Every day from ten to six for three whole months, and only ten pounds!
Dr Maclure, do you know it is a real, true, honest fact that I paid
twenty pounds for a ball-dress only a few weeks ago? I've got it now in
a box upstairs!"

The doctor smiled.

"I should like to see you in it! I hope I may some day. It certainly
seems a good deal of money, but I suppose it