"That IS a knockdown blow.

So now you have silenced your husband, go you to bed directly.

I can't afford you diamonds; so I will take care of that little insignificant trifle, your beauty." Mrs.Staines and Mrs.Lucas exchanged calls, and soon Mrs.Staines could no longer complain she was out of the world.

Mrs.Lucas invited her to every party, because her beauty was an instrument of attraction she knew how to use; and Miss Lucas took a downright fancy to her; drove her in the park, and on Sundays to the Zoological Gardens, just beginning to be fashionable.
The Lucases rented a box at the opera, and if it was not let at the library by six o'clock, and if other engagements permitted, word was sent round to Mrs.Staines, as a matter of course, and she was taken to the opera.

She began almost to live at the Lucases, and to be oftener fatigued than moped.
The usual order of things was inverted; the maiden lady educated the matron; for Miss Lucas knew all about everybody in the Park, honorable or dishonorable; all the scandals, and all the flirtations; and whatever she knew, she related point-blank.