•148 MISS BADSWORTH, M.F.H. 



So that's why you cut your hair short, my dear, I see ; hunt- 

 ing-cap, red coat and things." 



" Lavvy thought she had better pose as a man," Miss 

 Badsworth remarked. 



" In order to be able to swear, or what ? I wouldn't ! It 

 would only make it more difficult for you ; you would never 

 disguise yourself, your voice would give you away for one 

 thing, and, well, lots of other things ! " 



" But a moustache makes such a difference," Lavvy said, 

 laughing. 



" But you can't grow one, my dear." Lady Flora sur- 

 veyed the girl's smooth upper lip. " Suppose it pours with 

 rain all day, or you get into Toddleton brook, it will come 

 off to a certainty, or hang on by one side or something." 



" There is something in that, certainly," Lavvy said, 

 laughing. 



" There would be in the brook, anyway. No ; if I were 

 you I'd nail my colours to the stupid codicil and Lavinia 

 Badsworth — breeches, boots, coat, cap and all the rest of it — 

 that's what I would do and take deuced good care I wasn't 

 interfered with. You'd never make a man, child, but you 

 will make an uncommonly — well, never mind ; besides " 

 (turning to Miss Badsworth) ** here is a splendid chance 

 of showing the capabilities of womenkind. Stop a bit ! " 

 (holding up her hand as Miss Badsworth was about to 

 speak) " I'm not condemning your theories, you have as 

 much right to them as I have to my fads, and I partly agree 

 with you up to a certain point. There's a want of provision 

 for old age in the dress business, as I told Jack Morgan not 

 long ago, no ' old age pensions,' in fact; if I had come in 

 rationals just now, you would have been chuckling all the 

 time, instead of courteously listening to an old woman's 

 cackle. That's the weak point of your scheme, my dear, you 

 shouldn't leave the old women out ; if they have got any 

 brains they gather their experience in the world just like 

 men. Now, when is your puppy show ? " 



" Puppy show ? " queried Miss Badsworth. 



