“Well, I don't know--I don't know,” Mr. Brandreth answered, with a note of trouble in his voice. “I'm afraid not,” he added sadly. “Miss Kilburn, I've been put in a very unfair position by Miss Northwick's changing her mind about Juliet, after the part had been offered to Miss Chapley. I've been made the means of a seeming slight to Miss Chapley, when, if it hadn't been for the cause, I'd rather have thrown up the whole affair. She gave up the part instantly when she heard that Miss Northwick wished to change her mind, but all the same I know--.” He stopped, and Annie said encouragingly: “Yes, I see. But perhaps she doesn't really care.” “That's what she said,” returned Mr. Brandreth ruefully. “But I don't know. I have never spoken of it with her since I went to tell her about it, after I got Miss Northwick's note.” “Well, Mr. Brandreth, I think you've really been victimised; and I don't believe the Social Union will ever be worth what it's costing.” “I was sure you would appreciate--would understand;” and Mr. Brandreth pressed her hand gratefully in leave-taking. She heard him talking with some one at the gate, whose sharp, “All right, my son!” identified Putney. She ran to the door to welcome him. “Oh, you're _both_ here!” she rejoiced, at sight of Mrs. Putney too. “I can send Ellen home,” suggested Putney. “Oh _no_, indeed!” said Annie, with single-mindedness at which she laughed with Mrs. Putney. “Only it seemed too good to have you both,” she explained, kissing Mrs. Putney. “I'm _so_ glad to see you!” “Well, what's the reason?” Putney dropped into a chair and began to rock nervously. “Don't be ashamed: we're _all_ selfish. Has Brandreth been putting up any more jobs on you?” “No, no! Only giving me a hint of his troubles and sorrows with those wretched Social Union theatricals. Poor young fellow! I'm sorry for him. He is really very sweet and unselfish. I like him.” “Yes, Brandreth is one of the most lady-like fellows I ever saw,” said Putney. “That Juliet business has pretty near been the death of him. I told him to offer Miss Chapley some other part--Rosaline, the part of the young lady who was dropped; but he couldn't seem to see it. Well, and how come on the good works, Annie?” “The good works! Ralph, tell me: _do_ people think me a charitable person? Do they suppose I've done or can do any good whatever?” She looked from Putney to his wife, and back again with comic entreaty. “Why, aren't you a charitable person? Don't you do any good?” he asked. “No!” she shouted. “Not the least in the world!”