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 held to be a calling worthy of all esteem. It was the parents.

Miss Warmington rose to end the interview. And then by chance her eyes fell upon Anthony John as he sat with one small leg tucked underneath the other.

The tears were in Mrs. Strong'nth'arm's eyes, and she did not notice. But Anthony saw quite plainly the expression that came over the tired, lined face of the elder Miss Warmington. He had seen it before on faces that had suddenly caught sight of him.

"You say your husband employs ?" she said in a changed tone, turning to Mrs. Strong'nth'arm.

"A man and a boy," declared Mrs. Strong'nth'arm in a broken voice. She dared not look up because of the tears in her eyes.

"Would you like to be one of our little pupils?" asked the elder Miss Warmington of Anthony John.

"No, thank you," he answered. He did not move, but he was still looking at her, and he saw the flush upon her face and the quiver of her tall gaunt frame.

"Good afternoon," said Miss Warmington as she rang the bell. "I hope you'll find a school to suit you."