he did this again at Tilehurst, she came down heavily upon his toes, and gave, for her clumsiness, an apologetic word that he accepted sulkily. Near to Paddington, Miss Radford mentioned that, in her opinion, men were most frightfully stupid, and to her surprise Gertie agreed. 

 Gertie Higham relieved her aunt from duty in the shop, and a letter brought by the postman at nine o'clock was handed over the counter to her direct; the official recommended her to accept the offer, and put the young gentleman out of his misery. The communication was written in a large hand, about twelve words to a page, and liberally underlined. Printed in the corner were a telegraphic address, a telephone number, directions concerning nearest railway station. For heading, Morden Place, Ewelme. 

 

 "DEAR MISS HIGHAM,—We shall be so glad if you can pay us a visit on Friday next and stay over for the week-end. Dear Henry is particularly anxious that you should be here on Saturday evening. 

 "What a wonderful summer we are having!!!—Yours sincerely, 

 "MYRA DOUGLASS." 

 

 The girl found a sheet of the best notepaper on the shelves, and wrote at once. 

 

 "DEAR LADY DOUGLASS,—I shall not be able to come to you next Friday. I am rather busy. 

 "It is indeed a capital summer. I am enjoying it.—Yours sincerely, 

 "GERTRUDE HIGHAM." 

 

 

 CHAPTER V. 

 An easy matter to obtain a full list of other manufacturers in the same line of business, and when Madame entrusted her with important errands,— 

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