CHAPTER XLVIII.
ONE SHOE OFF AND ONE SHOE ON.
"I must see you, Poppy--I must see you, and I can't come into the house.

I could not face Mrs.Mortlock, nor Mrs.Dredge, nor Miss Slowcum.

I am a dreadful failure, Poppy, a dreadful, dreadful failure, and I cannot look any one in the face.

Do come out with me, dear Poppy, and at once; for if I can't speak to you at the present moment my heart will break." "They're teaing just now," said Poppy, in a reflective tone; "they are all in the dining-room as snug as possible over their high tea.

They have shrimps for tea, and a wonderful new kind of paste that Aunt Flint brought in to-day.