There was a pause, and then Mrs. Ingham-Baker heaved a little sigh.

"I am sure, dear," she said, "that in some way you will be rewarded
for your great kindness to these poor orphan boys."

She shook her head wisely, as if reflecting over the numerous cases
of rewarded virtue which had come under her notice, and the action
made two jet ornaments in her cap wobble, in a ludicrous manner,
from side to side.

"That may be," admitted the lady of the house, "though I wish I felt
as sure about it as you do."

"But then," continued Mrs. Ingham-Baker, in a low and feeling tone,
"you always were the soul of generosity."

The "soul of generosity" gave an exceedingly wise little smile--
almost as if she knew better--and looked up sharply towards the
door. At the same moment the butler appeared.

"Mr. Pawson, ma'am," he said.

The little nod with which this information was received seemed to
indicate that Mr. Pawson had been expected.

Beneath her black curls Mrs. Ingham-Baker's beady eyes were very
much on the alert.

"In the library, James," said Mrs. Harrington--and the two jet
ornaments bending over the silken needlework gave a little throb of