e freedom, for
Polly could not pretend to be on a social level with her aunt, and as a
young girl of unformed character naturally owed deference to an
experienced matron who took a kindly interest in her.

There had been some question of inviting Mr. Sparkes, but Mr. Gammon
spoke against it. No; let Polly have a fair chance, first of all, of
unbosoming herself before her aunt and her landlady. If she refused to
do so, why then other steps must be taken.

Gammon passed the day in high spirits, which, with the aid of
seasonable beverages, tended to hilarious excitement. The thing was
going to be as good as a play. In his short dialogue with Mrs. Clover
he withheld from her the moving facts of the case, telling her only
that her niece was going to quit Mrs. Bubb's, and that it behoved her
to assist in a final appeal to the girl's better feelings. His own part
in the affair was merely, he explained, that of a messenger, sent to
urge the invitation. Mrs. Clover willingly consented to come. Not a
word passed between them with reference to their last conversation, but
Mr. Gammon made it plain that he nursed no resentment, and the lady of
the china shop behaved very amicably indeed.

At six o'clock Polly came home to dress for the theatre. She left
again, having spoken to no one. Soon afterwards Gammon, who in fact had
watched for her departure, entered the house and held a conversation
with Mrs. Bubb in the parlour, where already the table was laid for
supper at half-past eight. Scarcely had eight struck when Mrs. Clover,
who had alighted from an omnibus, sounded her pleasant
rat-tat--self-respecting, and such as did credit to the house, but with
no suggestion of arrogance. As her habit was she kissed Mrs. Bubb--a
very kindly and gracious thing to do. She asked after the children, and
was sorry she could not see them. In her attire Mrs. Clover preserved
the same happy medium as in her way of plying the knocker; it was
sufficiently elaborate to show consideration for her hostess, yet not
so grand as to overwhelm by contrast. She looked, indeed, so pleasant,
and so fresh, and so young that it was as difficult to remember the
troubles of her life as it was to bear in mind that she had a daughter
seventeen years of age. Mr. Gammon, who made up a trio at the supper
table, put on his best behaviour. It might perhaps have been suspected
that he had quenched his thirst more often than was needful on a day of
showers and falling tem