Gammon had of late been guilty of such
insolent behaviour to her (the writer) that she had serious thoughts
of seeking protection from the police. "As he is such a great friend
of yours and Minnie's, I thought I had better warn you. Perhaps you
might like to try and teach him better behaviour, though I can't say
as you are the person to do it. And you may be pleased to hear that
I should not wonder if I am shortly to be married to a _gentleman_,
which it won't surprise you after that if I am unable to see
anything more of you and your family."
But for a violent storm which broke out after eleven that night,
just as she finished these compositions, Polly would have posted
them forthwith, and Mr. Gammon would in that case have received his
letter by the first post next morning. As it was they remained in
Polly's room all night, and only an hour or two after their actual
dispatch came the fateful telegram which was to make such a
revolution in Miss Sparkes' sentiments and prospects. Mrs. Clover
duly received her missive, and gave a good deal of thought to it,
Being a woman of some self-command she spoke no word of the matter
to Minnie nor, though greatly tempted, did she pen a reply, but in a
few days she sent a quiet invitation to Polly's father, desiring the
pleasure of his company at tea on Sunday.
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