the proffered sympathy; and the thought of returning to Ireland was
impossible. She tore the list of London friends; appealed to Tim and
Missus.

Tim was helpful. He had taken fares to an Agency in Norfolk Street--an
Agency for "Disturbed Gentlewomen," he called it; there took her one
morning.

"Distressed Gentlewomen," she found the brass plate to read--"The
Norfolk Street Agency for Distressed Gentlewomen."

A lymphatic-looking young woman, assisting the growth of a singularly
stout face by sucking a sweet, and wearing brown holland sleeve
protectors hooked up with enormous safety-pins, received her in the
room marked "Enquiries"; put her into that labelled "Waiting." Here
were two copies of the _Christian Herald_, some emigration pamphlets,
a carafe of water covered by an inverted tumbler dusty with disuse,
and three elderly females--presumably gentlewomen, possibly
distressed, but not advertising either condition.

In due time her turn for the room marked "Private"; interrogation by
Miss Ram, a short, thin lady in black, who bowed more frequently than
she spoke, possessing a range of inclinations of the head each of
which had unmistakable meaning.

Position sought?--Oh, anything; governess, companion. Last situation?
--None; she was inexperienced. Capabilities?--Equally lacking, as
discovered by a probing cross-examination. Salary required?--Oh,
anything; whatever was usual; a _home_--that was the chief object in
view.