_His Fellow P._ Oh, I've been through it myself. I'm just the same when _I_ go down to a new place; feel a sort of sinking, you know, as if the people were sure to be disagreeable, and I should never get on with them. _Und. Exactly_ my own sensations! If I could only be sure of finding _one_ kindred spirit, one soul who would help and understand me. But I daren't let myself hope even for that! _His Fellow P._ Well, I wouldn't judge beforehand. The chances are there'll be _somebody_ you can take to. _Und. (to himself)._ What sympathy! What bright, cheerful common sense! (_Aloud._) Do you know, you encourage me more than you can possibly imagine! _His Fellow P. (retreating)._ Oh, if you are going to take my remarks like _that_, I shall be afraid to go on talking to you! _Und. (with pathos)._ Don't--_don't_ be afraid to talk to me! If you only knew the comfort you give! I have found life very sad, very solitary. And true sympathy is so rare, so refreshing. I--I fear such an appeal from a stranger may seem a little startling; it is true that hitherto we have only exchanged a very few sentences; and yet already I feel that we have something--much--in common. You can't be so cruel as to let all intimacy cease here--it is quite tantalising enough that it must end so soon. A very few more minutes, and this brief episode will be only a memory; I shall have left the little green oasis far behind me, and be facing the dreary desert once more--alone! _His Fellow P. (laughing)._ Well, of all the uncomplimentary things! As it happens, though, "the little green oasis"--as you're kind enough to call me--_won't_ be left behind; not if it's aware of it! I think I heard your friend mention Wyvern Court! Well, that's where _I_'m going. _Und. (excitedly)._ You--_you_ are going to Wyvern Court! Why, then, you must be---- [_He checks himself._ _His Fellow P._ What were you going to say; _what_ must I be? _Und. (to himself)._ There is no doubt about it; bright, independent girl; gloves a trifle worn; travels second-class for economy; it must be Miss MULL herself; her letter mentioned Lady CULVERIN as her aunt. A poor relation, probably. She doesn't suspect that I am----I won't reveal myself just yet; better let it dawn upon her gradually. (_Aloud._) Why, I was only about to say, why then you must be going to the same house as I am. How extremely fortunate a coincidence! _His Fellow P._ We shall see. (_To herself._) What a funny little man; such a flowery way of talking for a footman. Oh, but I forgot; he said he _wasn't_ going to wear livery. Well, he _would_ look a sight in it! * * * * * [Illustration: PREVENTION BETTER THAN CURE. "CAN YOU LET ME HAVE A BULLET-PROOF COAT FOR MY LITTLE DOG? MY NEXT-DOOR NEIGHBOUR HAS THREATENED TO SHOOT HIM FOR BARKING!"] * * * * *