CHAPTER LV.
AN INVITATION FOR THE LADIES OF PENELOPE MANSION.
"There are limits to all things," said Mrs.Mortlock; "there's a time, as the blessed Bible says, to sorrow, and a time to rejoice, and what I say too is, that there is a time when a woman's patience may be exhausted.

Yes, Mrs.Dredge, you may look at me with as round eyes as you please--I know they are round though I can't see them, but I will say, if it's my last dying breath, that the moment for my 'continual reader' to return has arrived.

Miss Slowcum, no doubt you'll corroborate what I say, ma'am." "It's hot weather for young bright flowers to shed their fragrance on the London streets," replied Miss Slowcum; "it's the kind of weather when flowers fade.

I should imagine, Mrs.Mortlock, that your 'continual reader' was doing better for herself in the country." Mrs.Mortlock's face became very red.
"Better for herself, is she ?" she said, "and is that all the thanks I get for keeping my post vacant, and living through days the weariness of which none may know.

If Miss Primrose Mainwaring is doing better for herself in the country she is welcome to stay there.