haps, she, too, could
offer some suggestion as to how the life of a poor aimless thing like
Claudia Haberton might be animated by a purpose.

But they all lived in London, the very place, as Claudia felt, where
women of spirit and of "views" should be. If she could but have a few
hours of chat with each! And, after all, no doubt, this could be
arranged. It was but a little time since Aunt Jane and Aunt Ruth had
asked when she was going to cheer them with another visit. Might not
their invitation give her just the opportunity she sought?

Claudia reflected. She had not in the past cared much for her aunts'
household. The elderly maiden ladies were "the dearest creatures," she
told herself; but they were not interesting. Aunt Jane was always
engaged in knitting with red wool, any fragments of attention which
could be given from that task being devoted to Molossus, the toy
terrier, who almost dwelt in her lap. Aunt Ruth was equally devoted in
the matter of embroidery, and in the watchful eye she kept upon the
movements of Scipio, a Persian cat of lofty lineage and austere mien.

Their other interests were few, and were mainly centred upon their
pensioners amongst the poor. Their friends were of their own generation.
Thus in the past Claudia had not felt any eager yearning for the house
in St. John's Wood, where the sisters dwelt at peace. But it was
otherwise now, because Claudia had new designs upon London.

She confided to her mother her readiness to accept the recent
invitation.

"Go, my dear, by all means," said the invalid; "I am sure you must want
a change, especially after so many weeks of looking after me."

"Pinsett," said Claudia, salving her own conscience, "is so very careful
and efficient."

"And so good," added Mrs. Haberton; "you may be sure I shall be safe in
her hands."

For the moment Claudia was sensible of a little pang. Ought she to be so
readily dispensed with? Were her services a quantity which could be
neglected?

But, after all, this was nothing. She did not neglect her mother; that
was out of the question.

[Sidenote: Up to Town]

So it was agreed that Claudia should go. Aunt Jane wrote a letter
expressing her joy at the prospect, and Aunt Ruth added a postscript
which was as long as the letter, confirming all that her sister had
said.

So Claudia went up to town, and was received with open arms by her
aunts.

* * * * *

The placid household at St