‘A few days after the sale, I was in the consulting-room. The servant must have left the folding-doors a little ajar, I think. Mrs. Munton came to call on Mrs. Rose; and the former being deaf, I heard all the speeches of the latter lady, as she was obliged to speak very loud in order to be heard. She began:

‘“This is a great pleasure, Mrs. Munton, so seldom as you are well enough to go out.”

‘Mumble, mumble, mumble, through the door.

‘“Oh, very well, thank you. Take this seat, and then you can admire my new work-table, ma’am; a present from Mr. Harrison.”

‘Mumble, mumble.

‘“Who could have told you, ma’am? Miss Horsman? Oh, yes, I showed it Miss Horsman.”

‘Mumble, mumble.

‘“I don’t quite understand you, ma’am.”

‘Mumble, mumble.

‘“I’m not blushing, I believe. I really am quite in the dark as to what you mean.”

‘Mumble, mumble.

‘“Oh, yes, Mr. Harrison and I are most comfortable together. He reminds me so of my dear Mr. Rose — just as fidgety and anxious in his profession.”

‘Mumble, mumble.

‘“I’m sure you are joking now, ma’am” Then I heard a pretty loud:

‘“Oh, no;” mumble, mumble, mumble, for a long time.

‘“Did he really? Well, I’m sure I don’t know. I should be sorry to think he was doomed to be unfortunate in so serious an affair; but you know my undying regard for the late Mr. Rose.”

‘Another long mumble.

‘“You’re very kind, I’m sure. Mr. Rose always thought more of my happiness than his own” — a little crying — “but the turtle-dove has always been my ideal, ma’am”

‘Mumble, mumble.

‘“No one could have been happier than I. As you say, it is a compliment to matrimony.”

‘Mumble.

‘“Oh, but you must not repeat such a thing! Mr. Harrison would not like it. He can’t bear to have his affairs spoken about.”

‘Then there was a change of subject; an inquiry after some poor person, I imagine. I heard Mrs. Rose say:

‘“She has got a mucous membrane, I’m afraid, ma’am.”

‘A commiserating mumble.

‘“Not always fatal. I believe Mr. Rose knew some cases t............