CHAPTER V.
Whether Fielding was correct in limiting Miss Le Mesurier's capacity for continued seriousness, she was undeniably serious when she called upon Mrs.Willoughby at half-past one on the following day.

There were dark shadows under her eyes, and the eyes themselves seemed to look pathetic reproaches at a world which had laid upon her unmerited distress.

Mrs.Willoughby was startled at her appearance, and imagined some family disaster.
'Why, Clarice, what has happened ?' she exclaimed.

'You look as if you hadn't slept all night.' Clarice kissed her, and for answer sighed wearifully.

Mrs.Willoughby was immediately relieved.