giving the girls the
lessons and opportunities which they require. We know quite well that
we could not possibly do this on our tiny income, but we believe that it
is the wisest way of using our capital, and that the time will come when
we shall be thankful that we had the courage to do it. Th-that's all;
that's our scheme," faltered Philippa, feeling that she had launched a
bombshell, indeed, as her uncle fell back in his chair overcome with
amazement, and her aunt raised protesting eyes to the ceiling as though
calling Heaven to witness that she was no party to this mad folly.

"And--er--Stephen would, of course, give up his situation! He would--
er--hope to find more lucrative employment in London?" she inquired,
with a thinly veiled satire which roused the head of the family to
dignified response.

"I have every reason to do so. In that respect at least we should not
be reckoning in the dark, Aunt Gertrude. The solicitor's office here is
but a small branch of an important one in the City, and my chief has
been anxious for some time that I should remove to the head-office. He
realised that there could be no promotion for me here, and has been a
most kind friend--anxious to help us in every way. So far I have
refused to move, for I like a country life, and--"

"He doesn't like it a bit. He longs to go to town, but he stayed with
us because he knew we couldn't do without him," cried Philippa, with a
loving glance, at which Stephen flushed and darkly scowled an order to
be silent. Mr Loftus thought the byplay very pretty and creditable to
both the actors, but his business instinct had been shocked, and he felt
it his duty to protest.

"Spend your capital! Break into your capital! My dear girl, that is
against all laws of prudence and business. I really--as you have asked
my advice--I really could not sanction such a step as that. Your
income, taking everything together, will not amount to over three
hundred a year, I suppose? No! I thought not. Well then, remember
that you would have to pay a high London rent, to feed and clothe six
people, exclusive of a servant, to pay coals and gas, and constant
travelling to and fro, and a hundred extra expenses, before you begin to
think of lessons and concert-going and payment of premiums. It would
cost you at least twice as much, and I doubt if you could do it on that.
Consider what you are doing. It is a risk which I could never
sanction--a big risk, a seri