e arrangement," said Philippa, smiling. "The next thing is to
buy yourself a really smart frock with the remainder of Uncle Loftus's
cheque, so that you may be ready for the social engagements when they
come. You have nothing suitable, and in this case it is a duty to be
provided with the prettiest and most becoming gown you can find."

"That's the sort of duty I should like. I could be a martyr to it if I
had the chance," cried Madge, with a sigh. "No mortal being knows how
it harrows my artistic soul to wear ugly clothes. I sometimes feel
inclined to kneel down and, do obeisance before the dresses in the Bond
Street shops. And they look so lovely just now! I've had a horrible
temptation sometimes to ask for things to be sent on approval, just for
the pleasure of trying them on and seeing how I look in them."

"Do you think it is an honourable thing to send for things that you have
no earthly intention of buying?" asked Philippa the literal, with a
solemn air, which delighted her mischievous sister.

"No, I don't; I think it's a mean trick. But I'm so dull! I want to do
something reckless for a change. You needn't alarm yourself, Philippa;
if I wrote asking for a selection of Court dresses to be sent on
approval to an address off the Tottenham Court Road, they wouldn't pay
much attention to the order, I'm afraid."

Theo thought not, indeed; while Hope looked pained and penitent, and
said, "I seem to have all the changes--all the good things. I suppose I
ought to dress for the part. But remember the `Amalgamated Sisters'!
Whatever I gain must be divided in equal shares."

"If you want excitement, it is a pity you weren't at home this
afternoon, Madge," said Philippa. Dinner was over by this time, and she
felt free to unburden her mind and receive the longed-for sympathy. "I
had an adventure all to myself, and found it more exciting than I liked.
The Hermit called, and Mary announced him in her own original fashion--
that is to say, left him standing on the mat. He came to lodge some
more complaints, and we had a row royal. I think he is mad, for he made
the most extraordinary statements. But he is worse than mad; he is
dangerous, and means to complain and get us turned out if he can. There
is not the slightest ground for his complaints, but he is an old tenant
and we are new, and it is only natural that his word should be taken
before ours."

"Don't worry yourself about that old girl," said Stephe