"One goes in for it more out of vanity, I'm
afraid, than for any real purpose that it serves."
"I took one or two prizes myself," said Mrs. Phillips. "But, of course,
one forgets things. I was wondering if you would mind if I ran up
occasionally to ask you a question. Of course, as you know, my 'usband
'as 'ad so few advantages"--the lady's mind was concerned with more
important matters, and the aspirates, on this occasion, got themselves
neglected--"It is wonderful what he 'as done without them. But if, now
and then, I could 'elp him--"
There was something about the poor, foolish painted face, as it looked up
pleadingly, that gave it a momentary touch of beauty.
"Do," said Joan, speaking earnestly. "I shall be so very pleased if you
will."
"Thank you," said the woman. Miss Lavery came up in a hurry to introduce
her to Miss Tolley. "I am telling all my friends to read your articles,"
she added, resuming the gracious patroness, as she bowed her adieus.
Joan was alone again for a while. A handsome girl, with her hair cut
short and parted at the side, was discussing diseases of the spine with a
curly-headed young man in a velvet suit.
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