my prospects to be damped by Carrie's want of enthusiasm. I thought I
would sit down and write to Jessie, and tell her all about it, but
here was Carrie preparing herself for one of her chats.

"Did you see me talking to Mr. Smedley, Esther?" she began; and as I
nodded she went on. "I had never spoken to him before since Uncle
Geoffrey introduced us to him. He is such a nice, practical sort of
man. He took me into the vicarage, and introduced me to his wife. She
is very plain and homely, but so sensible."

I held my peace. I had rather a terror of Mrs. Smedley. She was one
of those bustling workers whom one dreads by instinct. She had a
habit of pouncing upon people, especially young ones, and driving
them to work. Before many days were over she had made poor mother
promise to do some cutting out for the clothing club, as though
mother had not work enough for us all at home. I thought it very
inconsiderate of Mrs. Smedley.

"I took to them at once," went on Carrie, "and indeed they were
exceedingly kind. Mr. Smedley seemed to understand everything in a
moment, how I wanted work, and----"

"But, Carrie," I demanded, aghast at this, "you have work: you have
the little Thornes."

"Oh, don't drag them in at every word," she answered, pettishly--at
least pettishly for her; "of course, I have my brick-making, and so
have you. I am thinking of other things now, Esther; I have promised
Mr. Smedley to be one of his district visitors."