His own part in the affair was merely, he explained, that of a messenger, sent to urge the invitation.

Mrs.Clover willingly consented to come.

Not a word passed between them with reference to their last conversation, but Mr.Gammon made it plain that he nursed no resentment, and the lady of the china shop behaved very amicably indeed.
At six o'clock Polly came home to dress for the theatre.

She left again, having spoken to no one.

Soon afterwards Gammon, who in fact had watched for her departure, entered the house and held a conversation with Mrs.Bubb in the parlour, where already the table was laid for supper at half-past eight.