the estate office. This only told me the bones of the thing. I
wanted to know more of our people; and so I made a point of going now
and again to each house that we own. Of seeing the people and
talking with them familiarly; as familiarly as they would let me, and
indeed so far as was possible considering my position. For, Auntie
dear, I soon began to learn--to learn in a way there was no
mistaking--what my position is. And so I want to get to know more of
their ordinary lives; the darker as well as the lighter side. I
would like to do them good. I can see how my dear daddy has always
been a sort of power to help them, and I would like to carry on his
work; to carry it further if I may. But I must know.'

Her aunt had been listening with growing interest, and with growing
respect too, for she realised the intense earnestness which lay
behind the girl's words and her immediate purpose. Her voice and
manner were both softened:

'But, my dear, surely it is not necessary to go into the Court to
know these things. The results of each case become known.'

'That is just it, Auntie,' she answered quickly. 'The magistrates
have to hear the two sides of the case before even they can make up
their minds. I want to hear both sides, too! If people are guilty,
I want to know the cause of their guilt. If they are innocent, I
want to know what the circumstances can be which make innocence look
like guilt. In my own daily life I may be in the way of just such
judgments; and surely it is only right that judgment should be just!'

Again she paused; there rose before her mind that conversation in the
churchyard when Harold had said that it was difficult for women to be