"But no definite results," contended Mrs. Mills.  "That's what I complain of. At her age I had three after me." 

 "This was long before I came on the scene," explained Mr. Trew to Gertie; "otherwise there would have been bloodshed. Is this meal ad lib., or do I have to pay extra for another cup of tea?" 

 "I don't want her to worry about it; I only want her to keep it in view. What I should like more than anything would be to see a young man who was fond of her come in here, at a time like this, and take his piece of bread and butter, fold it, enjoy it, and sing to us afterwards." 

 "You're certain about that, aunt?" 

 "Providing he had a decent voice."  The shop bell rang. Mrs. Mills half rose and recognized the customer.  "We are now about to get all the news of the neighbourhood," she said desolately. 

 Gertie anticipated her, and, going in, served the lady with a copy of Fireside Love Stories. Returned with an imperative message. 

 "I shall have to see her," admitted Mrs. Mills.  "She won't be happy until she gets some piece of scandal off her mind." 

 "Fair one," said Trew, with a wave of his hand, "every moment will seem like a century until you return!" 

 Gertie was fixing her newly-trimmed hat with the aid of the mirror, and Mr. Trew was describing an accident witnessed the day before near Hyde Park corner, when sound of commotion came from the street; he seized his peaked cap and hurried through the shop. Gertie followed. Conversation between the two ladies had been interrupted by the same cause and they were outside the doorway, looking on at a small crowd that acted as escort to an ambulance in charge of two policemen; the aim of every one appeared to be to snatch the privilege of securing a view of the man partly hidden by the brown hood of the conveyance. Mrs. Mills sent the customer across to obtain particulars, and remarking cheerfully to Mr. Trew and the girl, "You two off? Don't be late back, mind!" turned to the more interesting subject. Children were running up from side streets, grateful for anything likely to break the serenity of the afternoon. 

 "If he's damaged hisself," said Mr. Trew, as the ambulance stopped at the hospital, "he's going to the right place to get repaired." 

 "It's to be hoped he has friends." 

 "Everybody's got the 

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