CHAPTER XXI.
On the afternoon of the day that followed Ovid's departure, the three ladies of the household were in a state of retirement--each in her own room.
The writing-table in Mrs.Gallilee's boudoir was covered with letters.
Her banker's pass-book and her cheque-book were on the desk; Mr.
Gallilee's affairs having been long since left as completely in the hands of his wife, as if Mr.Gallilee had been dead.

A sheet of paper lay near the cheque-book, covered with calculations divided into two columns.

The figures in the right-hand column were contained in one line at the top of the page.

The figures in the left-hand column filled the page from top to bottom.

With her fan in her hand, and her pen in the ink-bottle, Mrs.Gallilee waited, steadily thinking.
It was the hottest day of the season.