That isn't the way to collect.

The only way is to get into each house--to stand on the doorstep is no use, they can so easily send a maid to refuse--and sit there till they give a subscription.

Every year since I took it on there has been an increase, and I'll be frightfully disappointed if you let it go back." Mrs.Jowett looked depressed.

She knew herself to be one of the worst collectors on record.

She was guiltily aware that she often advised people not to give; that is, if she thought their circumstances straitened! "I don't know," she began, "I'm afraid I could never sit in a stranger's house and insist on being given money.