Scarcely had eight struck when Mrs.Clover, who had alighted from an omnibus, sounded her pleasant rat-tat--self-respecting, and such as did credit to the house, but with no suggestion of arrogance.

As her habit was she kissed Mrs.Bubb--a very kindly and gracious thing to do.

She asked after the children, and was sorry she could not see them.

In her attire Mrs.Clover preserved the same happy medium as in her way of plying the knocker; it was sufficiently elaborate to show consideration for her hostess, yet not so grand as to overwhelm by contrast.

She looked, indeed, so pleasant, and so fresh, and so young that it was as difficult to remember the troubles of her life as it was to bear in mind that she had a daughter seventeen years of age.