"My dear Miss Maryon," she said, "of course I sympathise with you; I understand the position only too well, and I feel for you very much. But what can I do? You have no marked musical talent, I suppose; the only advice of mine really worth anything, for it is backed by my own experience, would refer to a musical career." Winifred shook her head. "No," she said. "I am not musical. I wish I were--at least--no, I am not sure that that is the gift I covet most. Yet, do not misunderstand me," she added hastily; "I _love_ music. When listening to some music, when listening to your voice, I feel as if my soul were awakening, as if it had found itself." She was in earnest--her eyes glowed, her really fine features seemed full of emotion; yet, was it her extreme, though unconscious, egotism that slightly repelled Miss Norreys? "I wish she were not so high-flown," she thought. "Still, she is not affected: she does not mean to be so, at any rate. And she is candid. But I do love simplicity. I don't think she would ever do to be a governess, but probably she has no thought of so commonplace a career." "Then what--in what direction do you mean to turn?" she asked aloud. "You have thought too much about it not to have some definite ideas?" "I have several," Winifred replied eagerly. "I ask nothing better than to tell you all. And what I thought you would advise me about was as to living in London: I must arrange that almost first of anything. Don't you think I am quite old enough to live alone?" "Certainly not," Miss Norreys replied, with a smile. "Besides, you would find it very expensive if you care about any sort of comfort." "I don't," said Winifred, confidently. "But--well, yes, I suppose I must consider it to some extent, for the sake of my people, you see-- and--if you really think I can't live alone--" But at that moment Hertha saw approaching her a great friend of hers--a man to whom she was bound by long-standing ties of affection and gratitude, but whom, owing to his and her own busy lives, she met less frequently than she would have wished. She turned to Winifred-- "I must speak to Mr--to the man who had just come in," she said, half-rising from her seat. "Some other time, perhaps, Miss Maryon--" "How tiresome!" said Winifred. "Just when we were getting into a really nice talk. Cannot you just say a word or two to him, and come back again, Miss Norreys?" But Hertha was on her feet by this time. "We must arrange some other day. I will write to you," she said, hurriedly, eager not to miss the pleasant chance before her. And Winifred remained alone on the sofa. She was satisfied on the whole; she had made a beginning. Miss Norreys was appreciative, and she felt sure of her ground with her.