k cut out for me.'

'I wasn't meaning actual daily duties, but our responsibilities
regarding others,' said Elfie, a little shyly.

Gwen shrugged her shoulders. 'I suppose you feel you ought to be in
Sunday school this afternoon, is that it? I dare say Miss Miller will
give you some parish work, if you ask her. Are you going to follow in
Agatha's steps? I saw her from my bedroom window this morning stop a
carter going by from the farm, and hand him some tracts.'

Elfie laughed. 'She's a good old thing; she never says anything about
her good deeds, but I know she will soon be fast friends with all the
farm labourers who pass up and down. You see if next week she doesn't
know all their names and family histories!'

They were crossing a fresh meadow now, and as they came up to a stile,
they saw in the next field a most picturesque little cottage standing
in the midst of a mass of apple blossom. It was a low white-washed
building, with thatched roof and latticed windows, green shutters
opening back upon the wall.

The girls went up, and leaning against the gate, looked at it
admiringly; then started at the sight of two oldish women sitting
opposite one another in the old-fashioned porch. They were dressed
exactly alike, two lilac sun-bonnets hiding their faces; their figures
were thin and angular, and each had a book in her lap. Their dark-blue
serge gowns, white aprons, and little red worsted shawls over their
shoulders, were duplicates one of the other.

'It's like a book,' whispered Elfie. 'Do let us speak to them. We can
ask them where the footpath leads to!'

Gwen opened the gate, and accordingly put the question.

Both women started to their feet, and one came forward.

'Where does this footpath lead to? Why, to our cottage, and no
further, miss.'

She spoke respectfully, though rather shortly.

'I am afraid we have trespassed,' said Elfie, in her sweet, bright
tone; 'but we are strangers here, and are trying to find our way about.
What a lovely little cottage you have!'

'It's a tidy little place,' the woman responded, with an approving nod.
'Perhaps you'd like to come in and sit for a bit. Patty and me don't
care for Sunday visitin', but you'll be the ladies from Jasmine
Cottage, I reckon?'

'Yes,' said Gwen, 'we will come in for a minute before we go back.'

They followed her into a spotlessly clean and tidy kitchen. Patty drew
forward two chairs, and began to speak rather breathlessl