. My domestic troubles are
like my wedding presents, numerous and costly. The worst of all is the
grocer. I never knew that a grocer's shop was so alluring! I thought
it was all teas and pickles, and dull things for cleaning that one can't
eat, but it's a fiery furnace of temptation. I've been in ten minutes
and I've spent pounds... And I came myself because I wanted to save!"

The matrons' smile bore a touch of pathos. They themselves had suffered
from grocers' bills for many years, and knew the inevitableness thereof.
Every woman who is at the head of a household must shoulder the burden
of the grocer's bill, and bear it bravely, for it is hers for life.
Assiduous, unceasing care may at times relieve the pressure, but there
can be no escape; the smallest slackening of care, and the burden
presses once again, weighing her to the earth.

On almost any other subject the listeners would have been ready to
converse with the interesting bride, but when it came to a choice
between grocer's bills and a new engagement, the engagement won at a
canter.

"We were just discussing an exciting piece of news!" Mrs Gardiner
said, smiling. "You have heard already, I suppose. Everybody is
talking about it!"

Grizel's face brightened instantly into the most agreeable animation.

"No! Tell me... _What_ is it? Somebody run away with somebody else's
wife?"

"My dear!" Mrs Evans frowned disapproval. "This is not London. I am
thankful to say we don't do such things. We were speaking of an
engagement in which we are much interested. You know the girl, of
course. Teresa Mallison. We are so pleased to know of her happiness."

"So am I. I love girls to be happy. I'd like them all to be engaged
and married to-morrow to husbands nearly as nice as mine. And she has
such a ripping complexion... Who is the happy man?"

This was the thrilling point. Mrs Gardiner beamed with importance.

"Captain Peignton!"

Grizel's chin dropped; she stood stock-still, staring with big eyes.
Why and wherefore she had no idea, but the news was subtly unwelcome and
disturbing. She had imagined that the _fiance_ would be the curate, the
doctor, the manager of the branch bank--never for one moment had it
entered her mind to think of Dane Peignton filling the role. Her mind
chronicled a picture of him as she had seen him last, bidding good night
to Cassandra Raynor at the conclusion of the dinner party two nights
before. She had studi