'I'm afraid you will find an Australian provincial company rather a
change after the Parisian theatres,' said Mrs Villiers, as she
vanished into her room.

Vandeloup smiled, and turned to Selina, who was busy about her
household work.

'Mademoiselle Selina,' he said, gaily, 'I am in want of a proverb to
answer Madame; if I can't get the best I must be content with what I
can get. Now what piece of wisdom applies?'

Selina, flattered at being applied to, thought a moment, then raised
her head triumphantly--

'"Half a loaf is better than none,"' she announced, with a sour
smile.

'Mademoiselle,' said Vandeloup, gravely regarding her as he stood at
the door, 'your wisdom is only equalled by your charming
appearance,' and with an ironical bow he went out.

Selina paused a moment in her occupation of polishing spoons, and
looked after him, doubtful as to whether he was in jest or earnest.
Being unable to decide, she resumed her work with a stifled chuckle,
and consoled herself with a proverb.

'To be good is better than to be beautiful,' which saying, as
everyone knows, is most consoling to plain-looking people.