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.
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