h-class--scorned to
invite popularity by illustrations or artistic cover, and more often
than not left a blank opposite the titles of stories and articles. It
was at such moments as these that Theo felt that she could endure with
resignation Philippa's speedy marriage and departure from the home
circle. Only five minutes since she had heard the wonderful news, and
already a little cloud came floating across the brightness of the sky;
for it was little use appearing in the best magazine of the day if no
one knew of it but yourself, and an admiring public remained in
ignorance of your name.

"How _horrid_ of you to suggest such a thing! You might let me enjoy
myself when I can," she cried irritably. "You are a perfect wet
blanket, Philippa--always sitting on us, and depreciating what we do.
It is too bad--spoiling my pleasure when I have waited so long."

"I! _I_ spoil your pleasure--_I_ depreciate you!" Philippa was fairly
gasping with surprise and wounded feeling. "When I slave for you all
day long! When I take everything off your hands, so that you may give
your time to your work! When it is through me you are here at all! You
cruel, ungrateful girl, how can you have the heart to speak to me in
such a way?"

"I'm sure I don't want you to slave for me. I am quite capable of doing
my own mending, if you refer to that. I should _like_ to take more
share in the housekeeping, but you are so jealous if any one
interferes."

"Jealous! Oh, oh! Jealous!" repeated Philippa dramatically. Her eyes
were beginning to grow tearful. Theo's dark brows met in an ominous
frown; there were all the signs of a row royal, when Hope came flying to
the rescue.

"Girls, girls, _be quiet_!" she cried, banging her fist on the table in
imperative fashion. "You shall _not_ quarrel when we ought to be so
happy! This is the best success we have had, and it would be
disgraceful to spoil it by quarrelling like babies. You are both to
blame, so no apologies are needed, but for goodness' sake smile and look
pleasant."

"I'm sure I am only too willing. I want to smile if I am allowed," said
Theo gloomily.

"I'm sure I don't want to quarrel. Perhaps I had better go away and
leave you to yourselves, since I am such a wet blanket," sniffed
Philippa into her pocket-handkerchief. Madge gave Hope a warning kick
under the table, and began to chatter as unconcernedly as if nothing had
occurred.

"You can always write `Contributor