After all, you know, it's only putting into plain words what everybody thinks on all but every such occasion.' 'The first part of her remark--yes,' said Rhoda caustically.

'But as for the "no harm in trying," well, let us ask the wife's opinion in a year's time.' * * * * * * * * * * Midway in the London season on Sunday afternoon, about a score of visitors were assembled in Mrs.Cosgrove's drawing-rooms--there were two of them, with a landing between.

As usual, some one sat at the piano, but a hum of talk went on as undercurrent to the music.
Downstairs, in the library, half a dozen people found the quietness they preferred, and among these was Mrs.Widdowson.She had an album of portraits on her lap; whilst turning them over, she listened to a chat going on between the sprightly Mr.Bevis and a young married woman who laughed ceaselessly at his jokes.

It was only a few minutes since she had come down from the drawing-room.

Presently her eyes encountered a glance from Bevis, and at once he stepped over to a seat beside her.
'Your sisters are not here to-day ?' she said.
'No.