"I can't tell you why, and I don't know why, but I mean it. And
what's more"--her eyes sparkled--"if ever you say such word to
Minnie you never pass my door again."

This seemed to take Mr. Gammon's breath away. After a rather long
silence he looked about for his hat, then for his dog-whip.

"I'll say good night, Mrs. Clover. Hot, isn't it? Hottest day yet. I
say, you're not riled with me? That's all right. See you again
before long."

He did not make straight for home, but rambled in a circuit for the
next hour. When darkness had fallen he found himself again near the
china shop, and paused, for a moment only, by the door. On the
opposite side of the street stood a man who had also paused in a
slow walk, and who also looked towards the shop. But Mr. Gammon went
his way without so much as a glance at that dim figure.





CHAPTER IV

POLLY AND MR. PARISH




Two first-rate quarrels in one day put Polly Sparkes into high good