your mind to me, and I'm entitled to speak my mind to you. What you suffer from is nothing more nor less than sheer ignorance. Imperfect education; that's what the complaint is called." 

 "Gertie!"  A call from the shop. 

 "Yes, aunt." 

 "Do come here just a moment. Here's the strangest coincidence I ever came across."  Gertie obeyed with signs of nervousness.  "This young gentleman tells me that he knows Ewelme, and he's actually been inside the house where I was born!" 

 "How do you do?" said Gertie. 

 "And he's going down there again shortly," went on Mrs. Mills with animation, "and he means to bring me back some roses from the garden. Isn't it good of him?" 

 "Your daughter is fond of flowers?" 

 "She's only my niece," explained Mrs. Mills volubly.  "Her mother kicked the bucket some years ago, and her father—What's Wallingford like now, sir? I've said over and over again that I'd one day take the Great Western to go and have a look and see what alterations had been made. But," regretfully, "it's never been anything more than talk. I'd like Gertie to see the place though, so that she could tell whether it comes up to my description." 

 He seemed inclined to make an impetuous offer, but a brief shake of the girl's head arrested him. A boy entered and asked for an evening newspaper, and Gertie attended to the transaction. 

 "By the bye," turning to the stationery counter, "I want one or two magazines."  Their heads came closely together as a selection was being made; she whispered a caution not to stay too long. In a louder voice, Gertie announced that the total cost was two shillings and sixpence. Mrs. Mills beamed across from the tobacco counter, and asked whether he knew who was keeping "The Lamb"; Henry Douglass could not supply the information, but guaranteed to obtain particulars, and bring them to Praed Street. Mrs. Mills declared herself ashamed to give so much trouble. 

 "Are you in business, sir, may I ask?" 

 "I am, in a very small way, an architect." 

 "Really?" said Gertie interestedly. 

 "But," said Mrs. Mills, "you're not wearing a white tie!" 

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