dred with friendly understanding. "I think you
and I are somewhat alike about practical things. You've not had much
experience, either, have you? I judge so from the fact that Mr.
Jennings is looking after everything for you."

"I've had no experience at all," said Mildred. "That is why I'm
hesitating. I'm wondering if I can afford to pay so much."

Mrs. Brindley laughed. "Mr. Jennings wished to fix it at sixty a week,
but I insisted that forty was enough," said she.

Mildred colored high with embarrassment. How much did Mrs. Brindley
know?--or how little? She stammered: "Well, if Mr. Jennings says it
is all right, I'll come."

"You'll let me know to-morrow? You can telephone Mr. Jennings."

"Yes, I'll let you know to-morrow. I'm almost sure I'll come. In
fact, I'm quite sure. And--I think we shall get on well together."

"We can help each other," said Mrs. Brindley. "I don't care for
anything in the world but music."

"I want to be that way," said Mildred. "I shall be that way."

"It's the only sure happiness--to care for something, for some THING,"
said Mrs. Brindley. "People die, or disappoint one, or become
estranged. But when one centers on some kind of work, it gives
pleasure always--more and more pleasure."

"I am so afraid I haven't voice enough, or of the right kind," said
Mildred. "Mr. Jennings is going to try me on Saturday. Really I've no
right to settle anything until he has given his opinion."

Mrs. Brindley smiled with her eyes only, and Mildred wondered.

"If he should say that I wouldn't do," she went on, "I'd not know which
way to turn."

"But he'll not say that," said Mrs. Brindley. "You can sing, can't
you? You have sung?"

"Oh, yes."

"Then you'll be accepted by him. And it will take him a long time to
find out whether you'll do for a professional."

"I'm afraid I sing very badly."

"That will not matter. You'll sing better than at least half of
Jennings's pupils."

"Then he doesn't take only those worth while?"

Mrs. Brindley looked amused. "How would he live if he did that? It's
a teacher's business to teach. Learning--that's the pupil's lookout. If
teachers taught only those who could and would learn, how would they
live?"

"Then I'll not know whether I'll do!" exclaimed Mildred.

"You'll have to find out for yourself," said Mrs. Brindley. "No one
can tell you. Anyone's opinion might be wrong. For example, I've
known Jennings, who is a very goo