hint to talk of something else." He leaned forward, and softened his
voice to a note of earnest entreaty. "She won't be long, will she?"

"Oh, I dare say not!"

A light tap at the door called Mrs. Clover away. She whispered
outside with Minnie and returned smiling.

"Have you told her to be quick?"

Mrs. Clover did not answer the question. Sitting with her arms on
the round table she looked Mr. Gammon steadily in the face, and said
with decision

"Never you come here again after you've been to Dulwich!"

"Why not?"

"Never mind. I don't want to have to speak plainer. If ever I have
to--"

Mrs. Clover made her great effect of the pregnant pause. The
listener, who had sobered wonderfully, sat gazing at her, his blue
eyes comically rueful.

"She isn't coming back at all?" fell from his lips.

"Of course she isn't."

"Well, I'm blest if I thought you could be so unkind, Mrs. Clover."