iscussing the subject any longer. I
cannot afford to pay anything," said Hope quietly. She had turned very
white, but her manner was calm and collected, and she rolled up the song
with an air of finality which showed that she meant what she said.
"Perhaps another day, when we are better off--"

"Charmed to see you, dear, at any time. But you'll never get on in the
world if you don't pay out a bit at first; or if you _do_, it will be a
mighty slow process. You think I'm a wretch, no doubt, but I dare say
if the truth were known I'm as hard up as you are yourself; and I have
no rich friends to help me. You _have_, and you ought to make them
useful. Now, I'll tell you what I _will_ do for you! You mention my
name when you hear of any one giving a reception, and every time you get
me an engagement I'll sing your song, and you shall play the
accompaniment. That would help us both, and I'll do as much for you if
I hear of any children's parties coming off."

Hope's thanks were very sweetly expressed, but disappointment was still
the predominating feeling, and when the sisters found themselves in the
street they exchanged a rueful glance under the light of a lamp.

"It seems as if no one wanted us," sighed Hope sadly. "Whatever we try
to do, there are a thousand people who do it a thousand times better. I
wonder if we shall _ever_ succeed."

"As Mr Hammond said, it depends upon how much heart-breaking we can
stand. We never shall if we lose heart before six months are over,"
said Theo sturdily. "Cheer up, old girl; those letters will be arriving
soon, and then you will be too busy to be depressed."

Hope sighed and was silent. The ache at her heart made disappointment
harder to bear, and Miss Caldecott's offer of help seemed at present of
little value. Aunt Loftus might, indeed, be willing to engage the
services of a professional, but there was no one else of whom such a
favour could be asked, and the reflection brought an added sense of
friendlessness to the tired girl as she walked home through the crowded
streets.

It is always the darkest hour before the dawn. So says the proverb, and
in this instance it was fully justified, for no sooner had the girls
passed the Hermit's door than Philippa and Mudge flew to meet them, each
waving a letter in her hand and keeping up a loud, excited chatter.

"For you, Hope! At last! Here they come!"

"A coat of arms. Such lovely paper! Beautiful writing."

"Min