Yes, Avice knew it quite well, and was duly impressed by the news. She passed it on to her mother, who was sitting silently criticising the details of the room, while her husband talked to the older girls. She also appeared impressed, and expressed a desire to hear Hope perform one of her own compositions. Accordingly the piano was opened, and the girl sang, not one song, but two, so that her relations might appreciate the variety of her style: first the graceful and would-be classical setting to the words which Miss Minnie had despised, and then the more taking, if less high-class, "domestic" ditty. Mrs Loftus had little of the maternal instinct in her composition, but even her hard face softened as Hope's fresh voice sang the sweet, simple words. Uncle Loftus cried "Bravo! bravo!" and Avice opened wide surprised eyes. Mrs Loftus put up her eyeglasses and examined the singer in critical fashion. So young; so pretty; so exceptionally gifted! Really, the girl would be a useful addition to an evening's entertainment or a house-party in the country. She made a mental note that Hope was the "presentable" member of the family, then rose to take her departure, murmuring society nothings as she shook hands with Philippa, and checking Avice's farewell words with a warning frown. "Oh yes, we must arrange to meet again. I will look over our list. Don't make any plans to-day, dear; you are so overdone with engagements." She rustled to the door, followed by her obedient spouse, who was allowed no time to speak, but instead delivered himself of a succession of mysterious nods and smiles, which left the girls in a state of amused mystification. The explanation was, however, speedily forthcoming, for ten minutes had not elapsed after the departure of the three when a second bell sounded, and there stood Mr Loftus, erect and self-confident, a man on his own account, with no overwhelming feminine element to keep him in the background. "Back again like a bad penny!" he cried jocosely. "Just a word to say to you, my dears--a word in your ears. Put the ladies into the carriage, and went on `to my club.' He, he! Useful things, clubs! About that boy, now. Don't approve of your spending capital--never approved of that, you know--but pleased to help you all the same. Edgar's children. Yes! Ought to give you a lift. Fifteen--eh? Young to leave school, but can't be helped, I suppose. Was speaking to Spence the other day--most influential man--thinks he might take him in there. Eh? Insurance office--huge place--hundreds of clerks. Spence is manager. Always taking in new fellows. What do you think of that--eh?"