Saint X's set of gods of conventionality doubtless seems ridiculous to those who knock the dust before some other set; but Saint X cannot be blamed for having a sober face before its own altars, and reserving its jeers and pitying smiles for deities of conventionality in high dread and awe elsewhere.
And if Mrs.Fred had not been "one of the Fuller heirs," Saint X would have made her feel its displeasure, instead of merely gossiping and threatening.
"I'm going the round of the invalids to-day," began Henrietta, after she had got through the formula of sick-room conversation.

"I've just come from old John Skeffington.

I found all the family in the depths.

He fooled 'em again last night." Hiram smiled.

All Saint X knew what it meant for old Skeffington to "fool 'em again." He had been dying for three years.