“I think perhaps you are right, Maud. The War does make such a difference, doesn’t it? I really think I shall encourage it now that he has made a position for himself.” Mrs. Dobson was interrupted by the return of Joan with another piece of news. “Oh, mamma,” she said, more breathlessly than ever, “Lady Whigham’s going to give a concert for poor artists, and she wants us to give one, too! Isn’t it a heavenly idea?” Though Mrs. Dobson knew nothing about art, and supposed that the only reason why people ever were artists was because they were too poor to be anything else, she heartily agreed to the suggestion, coming as it did through Lady Whigham, and being so exactly the form of charity that she approved. The next morning Mrs. Dobson received a typewritten postcard-- 205 CADOGAN SQUARE, S.W. DEAR MRS. DOBSON,-- To help the artists, 2/6 teas are again being started. I am having one on Thursday the 14th. May I rely on your kind co-operation? Will you come, bring your friends, your work, have an hour’s good music, tea, a chat, and feel that you are doing a great kindness to the artists? Hoping to see you. Yours sincerely, CONSTANCE WHIGHAM. Music 3.30 to 4.30. Tea 4.30. There was a chorus of approval round the Dobsons’ breakfast-table. * * * * * Lady Whigham’s concert went off with great _éclat_. It was attended by many ladies, of whom one was a dowager countess, but there were also a bishop and a midshipman. The last had a bad cold and kept on blowing his nose during the performance of the soprano, a lady of strange appearance, said to be a Serbian refugee of noble origin. Joan did not enjoy the concert as much as the others. She said the pianoforte playing was very indifferent--she wondered what Captain Leclerc, who sat in the front row next to Clara Whigham, thought of it. * * * * * The 28th was fixed for the concert at Mrs. Dobson’s. Joan would have liked to write to Jack Leclerc and ask him to recommend the artists, but she wasn’t sure how he would take it, and besides, she did not know his address. Of course she could have asked Clara, but somehow she did not like to. As Lady Whigham had specially asked Mrs. Dobson to engage performers she was interested in, there was no difficulty and the day of the concert arrived. * * * * * Among the first arrivals were Lady and Miss Whigham, attended by Jack Leclerc. Mrs. Dobson, wreathed in smiles, with Maud at her right hand, received the guests. Effie gave them tea and Joan showed them to their places.