Such letters as demanded a reply, she answered at once, and with brevity which in her hands had become an art.

Appeals for money, public or private, she carefully considered, responding with a cheque only when she saw some distinct advantage--such as prestige or influence--to be gained by the pecuniary sacrifice.

Another touch on the button, and there entered a graceful woman of discreet visage, with whom Mrs.Toplady held colloquy for half an hour; in that time a vast variety of concerns, personal, domestic, mundane, was discussed and set in order.

Left to herself again, Mrs.
Toplady took up the newspapers; thence she passed to the bulkier periodicals; lastly, to literature in volume.

Her manner of reading betokened the quick-witted woman who sees at a glance the thing she cares for, and refuses to spend a moment on anything not immediately attractive.