CHAPTER XIX.
The lapse of a few hours exercised no deteriorating influence on Mrs.
Gallilee's amiability.
On the next day, thanks to his mother's interference, Ovid was left in the undisturbed enjoyment of Carmina's society.

Not only Miss Minerva, but even Mr.Gallilee and the children, were kept out of the way with a delicately-exercised dexterity, which defied the readiest suspicion to take offence.

In one word, all that sympathy and indulgence could do to invite Ovid's confidence, was unobtrusively and modestly done.

Never had the mistress of domestic diplomacy reached her ends with finer art.
In the afternoon, a messenger delivered Benjulia's reply to Mrs.
Gallilee's announcement of her son's contemplated journey--despatched by the morning's post.

The doctor was confined to the house by an attack of gout.