father of one of the pupils (who was behind with his account), when,
however paltry the promised fare, she would be waiting at the door,
clad in her faded garments, a full hour before the public were
admitted, in order not to miss any of the fun. Mavis usually
accompanied her on these excursions; although she was soon bored by
the tenth-rate singers and the poor plays she heard and saw, she was
compensated by witnessing the pleasure Miss Annie Mee got from these
sorry dissipations.

The two sisters' dispositions were alike in one thing: the good
works they unostentatiously performed. The sacrifices entailed by
these had much contributed to their declining fortunes. This unity
of purpose did not stay them from occasionally exchanging embittered
remarks when heated by difference of opinion.

When they sat down to breakfast, Helen poured out the coffee.

"What day does the West London Observer come out?" asked Annie,
presently, of Mavis.

"Friday, I believe."

"There should be some account of yesterday's proceedings," said Miss
Helen. "The very proper references which Mr Smiley made to our
acquaintance with the late Mr Ruskin are worthy of comment."

"I have never known the applause to be so hearty as it was
yesterday," remarked Annie, after she had eaten her first piece of
toast.