I'll try my very
beat. It is so very, very good of you to give me the chance!"

Miss Caldecott yawned wearily. "So close, isn't it?" she said. "I hate
this muggy weather. Some people say it's good for the complexion, but I
don't believe it. I use that new American powder. Have you tried it?
There's the bell! I expect it is the Elliotts. They said they were
coming."

"Then perhaps we ought to--We have stayed a long time already," said
Philippa, rising. "Thank you so very much for seeing us at all."

"Oh, won't you wait for tea? Good-bye, dear," cried Miss Caldecott all
in one breath, and without waiting for a reply to her question; and the
sisters went out into the narrow passage, to squeeze their way post
three tall, smartly dressed girls who were engaged in arranging their
veils and pulling out their fringes before the little strip of mirror in
the hat-stand. They walked down the street in silence, turned the
corner, and exchanged bright, amused glances.

"Our first introduction into professional circles! How very, very funny
she was! How many times did she call us `dear,' I wonder? Not very
formidable, was she?"

"But, oh, what a lovely voice! So rich and full! I suppose it is
because she has not had a thorough musical education that she hasn't
come to the front, and because she isn't quite--quite--But it is a shame
to criticise," cried loyal Hope. "How kind she was! How perfectly
sweet of her to ask me to write that song! Phil, Phil, don't you think
I am fortunate! Don't you think it's a good beginning? I have an idea
for the song already, and she is almost sure to take it; it is as good
as a commission."

Philippa looked at the shining eyes, and could not endure to breathe
discouragement; but in her heart of hearts she reflected that she should
be sorry indeed to place any reliance upon the promises of Miss Minnie
Caldecott.

CHAPTER SEVEN.

A PRIVATE READING.

Theo was pressed into the service to write the words of the song for
Miss Caldecott, and composed a graceful little ditty which was
sufficiently touching even to the spinster mind, and might safely be
trusted to melt the hearts of parents "in the front rows." The task
kept her happy and occupied while waiting for the answer to her letter,
and Mr Hammond was both prompt and kind in his reply.

"I shall be happy to give what help I can to your father's daughter," he
wrote. "He always appeared to me to have a very special