With Polly Sparkes she did not hesitate to use freedom, for Polly could not pretend to be on a social level with her aunt, and as a young girl of unformed character naturally owed deference to an experienced matron who took a kindly interest in her.
There had been some question of inviting Mr.Sparkes, but Mr.Gammon spoke against it.

No; let Polly have a fair chance, first of all, of unbosoming herself before her aunt and her landlady.

If she refused to do so, why then other steps must be taken.
Gammon passed the day in high spirits, which, with the aid of seasonable beverages, tended to hilarious excitement.

The thing was going to be as good as a play.

In his short dialogue with Mrs.Clover he withheld from her the moving facts of the case, telling her only that her niece was going to quit Mrs.Bubb's, and that it behoved her to assist in a final appeal to the girl's better feelings.