martyrs of
themselves! Now, it would really be very nice if Phil lived on the next
landing, and could run in and out half-a-dozen times a day; and though
the Hermit is not my passion, he is a worthy old thing, and would make a
devoted husband. It strikes me, my dear, that you and I will have to
take this matter in hand. It is no use asking Hope. She has grown so
proper lately that I am quite afraid of her."

"Oh no, we won't ask Hope!" said Theo quickly. "But really it would be
rather fun to see what we could do--as good as a story in real life.
The first step is to make them aware of their own feelings. But how is
it to be done?"

"We might try jealousy. How would it be if I flirted with him violently
under her very eyes?"

"He would be horribly bored, without understanding in the least what you
were trying to do, and Phil would forbid him the house in case you were
blighted in your youthful affections."

"Should we take him aside, then, and drop a casual hint of the curate
who proposed to her in Leabourne?"

"My dear, he would take fright on the moment and consider it his duty to
stand aside in favour of a better man. He is so absurdly quixotic that
he would positively enjoy immolating himself."

"What about pity, then? Snub Phil violently in his presence, and
confide to her in secret that his cough sounds consumptive! That would
make them sorry for each other, you see, and rouse a desire to help.
They would sympathise, and grow sentimental, and--"

"It might do," said Theo thoughtfully. "Really, Madge, you ought to
write instead of me; you are far more inventive. My only idea is
propinquity. Impress upon Phil that the Hermit is her best counsellor
in all matters concerning Barney, and advise her to talk things over
quietly with him when Steve is not present. The Hermit has about as
much worldly wisdom as a babe in arms, and consequently would be
immensely flattered by being asked to impart it. He will repeat all her
suggestions with an air of wisdom, and Phil will dote upon him for
helping her to her own way."

"Propinquity does it! We will be as innocent as cherubs, and have
smashing headaches when he comes to call. Also, it might be well to
take a more active share in the housekeeping department, in order to
show Phil that she is not so indispensable as she imagines. We must be
cruel to be kind."

Theo's shoulders shook with laughter, and just at that moment in marched
Philippa herself