The time is on me when I really must make myself look nice!" Before a long mirror, in whose bright pool there yearly bathed hundreds of women's bodies, divested of skirts and bodices, whose unruffled surface reflected daily a dozen women's souls divested of everything, her eyes became as bright as steel; but having ascertained the need of taking two inches off the chest of the gentian frock, one off its waist, three off its hips, and of adding one to its skirt, they clouded again with doubt, as though prepared to fly from the decision she had come to.
Resuming her bodice, she asked: "When could you let me have it ?" "At the end of the week, madam." "Not till then ?" "We are very pressed, madam." "Oh, but you must let me have it by Thursday at the latest, please." The fitter sighed: "I will do my best." "I shall rely on you.

Mrs.Stephen Dallison, 76, The Old Square." Going downstairs she thought: "That poor girl looked very tired; it's a shame they give them such long hours!" and she passed into the street.
A voice said timidly behind her: "Westminister, marm ?" "That's the poor old creature," thought Cecilia Dallison, "whose nose is so unpleasant.

I don't really think I--" and she felt for a penny in her little bag.

Standing beside the "poor old creature" was a woman clothed in worn but neat black clothes, and an ancient toque which had once known a better head.

The wan remains of a little bit of fur lay round her throat.