"It's no good. I have come to the conclusion I like dowdiness. I'm not smart. You are." "This is the first we have heard of it." "Well you know you are. You keep in the fashion. It may be quite right, perhaps you are more sociable than I am." "One is so conspicuous if one is not dressed more or less like other people." "That's what I hate; dressing like other people. If I could afford it I should be stylish--not smart. Perfect coats and skirts and a few good evening dresses. But you must be awfully well off for that. If I can't be stylish I'd rather be dowdy and in a way I like dowdiness even better than stylishness." The girls laughed. "But aren't clothes awful, anyhow? I've spent four and eleven on my knickers and I can't possibly get a skirt till next year if then, or afford to hire a machine." "Why don't you ask them to raise your salary?" "After four months? Besides any fool could do the work." "If I were you I should tell them. I should say 'Gentlemen--I wish for a skirt and a bicycle.'" "Mag, don't be so silly." "I _can't_ see it. _They_ would benefit by your improved health and spirits. Jan and I are new women since we have learned riding. _I_ am thinking of telling the governor I must have a rise to meet the increased demands of my appetite. Our housekeeping expenses I shall say are doubled. What _will_ you? Que faire?" "You see the work I'm doing is not worth more than a pound a week--my languages are no good there. I suppose I ought to learn typing and shorthand; but where could I find the money for the training?" "Will you teach her shorthand if I teach her typing?" "Certainly if the child wants to learn. I don't advise her." "Why not Jan. _You_ did. How long would it take me in evenings?" "A year at least, to be marketable. It's a vile thing to learn, unless you are thoroughly stupid." "That's true. Jan was a perfect fool. The more intelligent you are the longer you take." "You see it isn't a language. It is an arbitrary system of signs." "With your intelligence you'd probably grow grey at the school. Wouldn't she, Jan?" "Probably." "Besides I can't imagine Mistress Miriam in an office." "Nobody would have me. I'm not business-like enough. I am learning book-keeping at their expense. And don't forget they give me lunch and tea. I say are we going to read 'The Evolution Idea of God' to-night?" "Yes. Let's get back and get our clothes off. If I don't have a cigarette within half an hour I shall die." "Oh, so shall I. I had forgotten the existence of cigarettes."