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 temperature, but at supper he drank only two glasses of
mild ale, and casually remarked, as he poured out the second, that
he had serious thoughts of becoming a total abstainer.
"You might do worse than that," said Mrs. Clover meaningly, but with
good nature.
"You think so? Say the word, Mrs.
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