"Oh, I have observed his disapproving eye. I can guess what he said. Many people feel the same, who judge only from the surface, and don't take the trouble to realise my motives. One doesn't explain such things to the world in general, but I want _you_ to understand. If one man less admirable than another; if his friends and his entertainments are inclined to become rowdy and discreditable, does he need help _less_, or more? Vernon and other men of his kind consider that they do their duty by leaving such a man severely alone. I find mine in being with him-- just--as much--as ever I can!" She emphasised the words by a series of taps with the poker on the top of an obstinate coal, given in the most delightfully school-girlish manner. "I chaperon his parties; I talk to him and his friends; I make myself so agreeable that they love to have me, and want to have me again. I try with every power I possess to encourage all that is good, and kind, and honest, and cheering in themselves and their conversation, and deftly, delicately, invisibly, as it were, to fight against everything that is mean and unworthy. It's difficult, Darsie!--I may call you Darsie, mayn't I? it's such a beguiling little name!--one of the most difficult feats a woman could set herself to accomplish, and though I've had a fair measure of success, it's only a measure. It's such a great big work. Think of all that it means, that it _may_ mean to England, if we can keep these men from drifting, and give them a pull-up in time! I am constantly looking, looking out for fellow-workers. That's why I invited you here to-day--to ask _you_ to be on my side!" "I!" Darsie's gasp of amazement sounded throughout the room. "I! Oh, you can't mean it! What could I do? I can do nothing--I'm only a girl!" "Only a girl! But, dear child, that's your finest qualification! You can do more than I can ever accomplish, just because you _are_ a girl, and will be admitted to an intimacy which is impossible for me. Besides, Darsie, you are a particularly pretty and attractive girl into the bargain; you know that, don't you? You _ought_ to know it, and be very, very thankful for a great weapon given into your hands. If you will join the ranks with me, and act as my curate, you will immensely increase my power for good." "But I can't! I can't! I'd love to if I could, but you don't know how impossible it is. I couldn't preach to save my life."