All the fat women in London fanned themselves on that sultry afternoon; and Mrs.Gallilee followed the general example.

When she looked to the right, her calculations showed the balance at the bank.

When she looked to the left, her calculations showed her debts: some partially paid, some not paid at all.

If she wearied of the prospect thus presented, and turned for relief to her letters, she was confronted by polite requests for money; from tradespeople in the first place, and from secretaries of fashionable Charities in the second.

Here and there, by way of variety, were invitations to parties, representing more pecuniary liabilities, incurred for new dresses, and for hospitalities acknowledged by dinners and conversaziones at her own house.