Her original theory, which established Elfrida as the heroine of the latest notorious divorce case, was admirably ingenious, but collapsed in a fortnight with its own weight.

"Besides," Mrs.Jordan reasoned, "if it 'ad been that person, ware is the corrispondent all this time?
There's been nothin' in the shape of a corrispondent hangin' round _this_ house, for I've kep' my eye open for one.

I give 'er up," said Mrs.Jordan darkly, "that's wot I do, an' I only 'ope I won't find 'er suicided on charcoal some mornin' like that pore young poetiss in yesterday's paper." Another knock, half an hour later, found Elfrida finishing her coffee.

Out-of-doors the world was gray, the little square windows were beaten with rain.

Inside the dreariness was redeemed to the extent of a breath, a suggestion.