“That is what Mr. Ransom feels. He says he does not think that we can expect the same blessing upon the work of a church if the apostolic precept, ‘Owe no man anything,’ is deliberately broken. Well, a subscription list has been opened, and some really handsome sums have been already promised. But you know what people are. They want a little excitement and fun. And the Bensons have taken the matter up, and are canvassing all the town for a big bazaar and some entertainments in connection with it. The Corporation will give the Town Hall _gratis_ for the purpose, and they are full of plans for making things go off with great _éclat_. They have been here talking things over with the girls this past hour. Mr. Benson is against having anything but local talent for whatever is got up. He says, ‘Why pay professionals from a distance when people would be much more interested in hearing their own young people sing, or seeing them act a little play, or perform in tableaux?’ And really I think he is right. I know I am dreadfully bored by hearing second-rate professionals. But if one knows the performers, why that’s quite a different matter.” “And it will be such a nice chance for the glee club!” cried Raby. “And for some of us who have been having lessons. We did talk about getting up a concert at Christmas; but somehow it did not come off. Now, this seems the very thing, and everybody will come and hear us!” At that moment there was a clatter of horsehoofs outside the door, and Ray exclaimed— “Why, here is Cyril, with Sheila and Effie in the new phaeton! Don’t they cut a fine figure! What a pretty girl Sheila is! But she puts Effie altogether in the shade, don’t you think? If Aunt Cossart finds that out, she won’t be best pleased!” The Stanhope phaeton was Effie’s last new fancy. It was discovered that Shamrock and the new cob would run together nicely in double harness; and Sheila, who had driven all her life, managed the pair with much skill. Effie really preferred these drives in a carriage, recognised as her own, to the rides, where she was conscious of timidity and a lack of the ease and grace which distinguished Sheila’s horsemanship. Cyril liked well enough to accompany his pretty cousins, as he called them; and Mrs. Cossart was better pleased when he was there, as well as the youthful tiger who always went with the carriage. Raby and Ray had heard of this new turn-out, but had not seen it before. They ran to the window to look and admire; but in a few moments Effie and Sheila were in the room, Cyril bringing up the rear. Sheila made a rush at Oscar first, but was quite ready to be affectionate to all. She was in gay, happy spirits, and brought with her an atmosphere of sunshine. Her sombre black was just lightened by ruffles of white at the throat and wrists; and the soft bloom upon her cheeks seemed set off by the darkness of her attire.