sual, and `ancestory' as we can. I hate a
house that looks as if it had been furnished yesterday. When people
come to call, they will: have a pretty good idea of what we are by
looking round our rooms."

"But who is to come, you dear little snob? We know nobody. I'm afraid
the arrival of the Charrington family won't make much stir in the great
Metropolis. I can tell you I felt a lone, lorn creature, walking about
those crowded streets, and thinking that not a single soul knew me or
cared whether I lived or died. As for Aunt Loftus, she may come once,
perhaps, to pay a formal call, but we sha'n't be troubled with her after
that; and I should be sorry to count upon uncle's promised
introductions. We shall be left severely to ourselves."

"I am going up to London to know and be known, and I am not going to be
left alone for anybody," cried Madge, tossing her head with a
consequential air. "Seclusion may suit some people, but not this child.
I'm going to make friends, and have a real good time. I think I shall
start a _salon_, like that Madame de Thingummy in Paris, and make our
house the resort of all the learned and celebrated people of the day.
I've read about her in magazines, and it sounds quite easy. You don't
need to be pretty, nor rich, nor to live in a big house; all you have to
do is to announce that you are at home on certain evenings, and give
cups of coffee, and be very vivacious, and talk, and make people laugh.
_You_ can give the coffee, and I'll talk! There's never any difficulty
in that; the trouble is to be quiet. Wait until you see Cabinet
Ministers, and Presidents of the Academy, and celebrated authors all
driving up to our door, and toiling up hundreds of steps on purpose to
enjoy the fascinations of my society!"

"Very well; I'll wait. It will be good exercise for my patience. For
my own part, I have resigned myself to single blessedness, staying at
home cooking dinners and darning stockings while you are out making your
fortunes. I shall be too busy to be lonely; and if you earn money, I
shall save it. We can't _all_ be fascinating society leaders," said
Philippa cruelly. She was so devoted to Madge, so tempted to applaud
all that she said and did, that as a pure matter of conscience she felt
bound to snub her now and then, just to show her impartiality! It had
very little effect, however, for Miss Madge was too sharp not to see
through the pretence, and refused to be in the least