’Yesterday, at Lady Isobel Barker’s house in Pont Street, a meeting was held of ladies interested in a project for the benefit of working-class women in the West End.  It is proposed to arrange for a series of lectures, specially adapted to such an audience, on subjects of literary and artistic interest.  Unfortunately, Lady Isobel herself was unable to take part in the proceedings, owing to sudden indisposition; but her views were most suggestively set forth by Mrs. Hugh Carnaby, who dwelt on the monotony of the lives of decent working-class women, and showed how much they would be benefited by being brought into touch with the intellectual movements of the day.  Practical details of the scheme will shortly be made public.’

Morton chuckled quietly.

‘Splendid idea,’ said Rolfe.  ’Anyone who knows anything of the West End working-class woman will be sure to give it warm support.’

The tea-bell rang; the children came running.  Morton’s eldest boy, who had been busy in his workshop, exhibited a fine model schooner, just finished.  Presently, the hostess asked Rolfe whether he had heard of late from Mr. Carnaby.

’A week ago; the first time for a year.  The demand for shares in their company was tremendous, and they are turning out the new bicycle at the rate of hundreds a week.’

‘Has he quite got over that illness?’

’Says he suffers much from dyspepsia; otherwise, fairly well.  The prospect of money-making on a great scale seems pleasant to him.’

‘To Mrs. Carnaby, also, I dare say.’

‘No doubt,’ replied Rolfe absently.

After tea, a trio of little singers, one of whom was Hughie, gave the songs they had newly learnt with Mrs. Morton, she accompanying them on the piano.  Rolfe sat in a corner of the room and listened, as always, with keen pleasure.

‘One more,’ he asked, when they were about to cease.

They sang that which he liked best ——­

Fear no more the heat o’ the sun

After it there came a minute’s silence; then Harvey rose.

‘Say goodbye, Hughie; we must be going home.’

Hand in hand, each thinking his own thoughts, they walked homeward through the evening sunshine.