e others, I--I know I can't compete.
It makes you almost afraid to come out. And Osborn--while I'm at home,
plodding along, you see, he's out, seeing the others all the time. He
sees them in the restaurants, and they pass him in the street--girls
as I used to be."

"You must leave all these thoughts alone."

"Girls, Julia, as--as I could be again, if I had the chance."

"Would you like a cigarette?" Julia asked abruptly; "if so, we'll go
to the smoke-room."

"I'd love it; it's ages since I smoked. But I haven't time. I must be
going."

"Already?"

"It'll be the children's bedtime, and mother can't manage them alone."

"Oh, of course, dear," Julia said. "How stupid of me!" She folded very
tenderly round Marie's neck the stole which had been star turn in the
trousseau six years ago, and very tenderly she pressed her hands.

"Don't make the jersey suit for George; I want to give it to him for
Christmas!"

"Oh, Julia, I couldn't!"

"Yes, you could and will."

"You're an old darling."

"That's all right, Mrs. Osborn Kerr. Now I'll take you as far as your
Tube or 'bus. Which is it?"

Marie went home the warmer for Julia's companionship and her visit to
the most up-to-date women's club in town; she looked almost girlish
again when she stepped into No. 30 Welham Mansions, to relieve Grannie
Amber of the onerous responsibilities which she undertook so gladly.

"Well, duck," said Mrs. Amber, coming out with her funny walk, which
was at once a waddle, because of her weight, and a trip, from the
energy of her disposition, "have you had a lovely day?"

"Such a nice time, thank you, mother. Babes been good?"

"Perfect little angels!" Mrs. Amber lied with innocent sincerity.

"I'll begin putting them to bed directly I've laid down these parcels.
I've got the cream socks and the flannel for baby's new petticoats,
but the jersey suits were too dear. Julia's going to give George one
for Christmas."

"That's very kind of her, love. I always think she has a good heart,
though I don't like her opinions. The bath water's hot, my duck, and
baby's in bed, and the others are undressed, all ready, waiting for
you."

"You _are_ a good grannie!"

Grannie Amber stayed a while longer to watch the two elder children's
bathing; she squeezed her plump form alongside Marie in the tiny
bathroom, and from time to time emitted laughs and cries of fond
delight. She made herself busy, when the matter was over, in folding
towels an