"I suppose it depends--I know that when you take money to do a thing you have got to do it, and put up with orders and manners that you would not stand for one second if you were the person paying." "That is quite a good definition of respectful service." "It is common sense." "You appear to have some of that." Again silence. "I have not a good temper!" Lady Garribardine laughed--she was greatly diverted. "I guessed not." "How?" "I had to read characters quickly at Livingston and Devereux's----" "You are observant?" "I think so----" "Can you play the piano?" "I could once, and I had a queer gift for reading the notes--but I have never practised since we had a gramophone--I grew to loathe music." "That is hopeful----" Then Her Ladyship got up and went to her writing-table, terribly littered with all sorts of papers. She dived among a conglomerate mass--and picked up two letters. "Would you oblige me by answering these, Miss--er--Bush? I could then better judge of your capabilities." Katherine took them; on one envelope was written in a spidery hand in pencil, "Refuse gracefully;" upon the other, "Get out as best can." She looked for a portion of the blotting pad which was clear enough to use, then she sat down and selected a pen, while she glanced up with her steady wise eyes. "Has Your Ladyship any particular paper for this sort of thing?" Here was a suitable moment for the use of the honorific she felt. "Yes, that white paper with the coronet in plain black and the address." Lady Garribardine sat down by the fire and stared into it. She had not been so interested in a specimen of humanity for years. Katherine Bush read the letters through carefully and the first one a second time, then she began to write: To the Secretary of the League for Discouraging Polygamy among the Mohammedans of India: _Dear Sir_, I am asked by Sarah Lady Garribardine, to tell you that while sympathising deeply with the admirable object of your League, she thinks the field over which it must obviously be spread is too vast for a small contribution to be of much avail, and therefore, while thanking you for your interesting papers upon the subject, she is sorry that she is unable to forward you any more substantial help. I am, dear sir, Yours faithfully, KATHERINE BUSH (Secretary). The other letter ran: To the Matron of the Nonconformist Detention and Penitential Hostel for Lost Women: _Madam_, I beg to inform you that Sarah Lady Garribardine is leaving town shortly and therefore cannot avail herself of the pleasure and honour of visiting your useful institution. She desires me to express to you her thanks for your invitation. I remain, madame, Yours faithfully, K. BUSH (Sec.).