“Mr. Joseph,” I said, “I hardly know what to order next. I should like to have a price-list, and a week to think it over. I never bought anything abstract before. At present I’ve got only some ‘Disinterested Love’ and some ‘Political Success’; do you think you could let me have some Literary Fame, Musical Ability, Personal Charm, Popularity, and Contentment?” “It’s a large order,” said Mr. Joseph, “but we will do our best to execute it. James, will you see about those articles?” “I will,” said James. “And when shall I have them?” There was no answer. “I should like to know when I can have them,” I continued. “I don’t want to hurry you. Any time in the course of a year would do. I can give you a reference if you like. The master of St. Cecilia’s knows all about me. But as I did not imagine I was coming here to-night, I have brought hardly any money with me. However, if you would not object to taking two pounds on account----” I pulled out my two sovereigns, and laid them on the counter. As I did so I looked up. I had ceased to be capable of surprise, or I think I should have been surprised. Before me, on the other side of the counter, stood a young girl. Perhaps I should more accurately describe her as a young angel, except that she had no wings or halo. She was dressed in some loose, white garment, which looked like the apotheosis of a night-gown. I could not say within a year or two how old she was, but she seemed to be on the verge of womanhood. Her figure was tall and slight. Her small white hands were clasped before her. Her face was, perhaps, a little wan and pale, but full of the most spiritual beauty. The expression upon it was one of sweet, calm seriousness. Her eyes seemed to be looking sadly at something far off. Her hair was long and dark, and fell loosely about her shoulders. I gazed at her a long time before I could speak. “Mr. Joseph?” I stammered out, questioningly. “Joseph and James,” she said, in a low musical voice, “have gone downstairs to feed Joseph’s body. They sent me up here to wait on you. What are these?” She took up the two sovereigns I had placed on the counter. “A mere trifle,” I said. “I thought that, perhaps, it would be better to pay a trifle on account. If I had known that I was coming here, I would have brought more--I would, indeed.” “Will you please put them away?” she said, slowly. “They have no value. I will tell you about it soon. I have known you for a long time--known you so well.” I was entranced by her beauty, and could hardly find words to speak, but I muttered the usual commonplaces. It was very stupid of me, but I did not seem to recall her face. I did not even remember her name. “No,” she replied, “you have never seen me before. You will know my name one day, but not yet. I have watched you for years, and sometimes I have been with you. I am glad that you came here to-night, for I have often wished to speak with you.”