she said nothing, and when he called, as he had done very frequently
recently, she had tried to receive him as cordially as possible. But
to-night she was very tired. At times she felt dizzy and faint. His
interminable chatter and boasting would only weary her more. So,
hoping the visitor would take the hint, she called out again:

"Isn't Virginia home yet? It's getting very late."

"She couldn't be here yet," called out Fanny. "The concert's not over
till ten. We've all closed up now. I'm coming right in."

A moment later the young girl appeared, followed more leisurely by Mr.
Gillie.

The shipping clerk entered jauntily, a lighted cigar in his mouth,
full of self-assurance. He wore a check suit much too small for him, a
pink tie, and patent-leather shoes. Fanny's face was red and her
manner somewhat flustered, but this the mother, bent low over her
work, did not notice.

"Good evening, m'm," said Mr. Gillie, coolly seating himself without
waiting to be asked. Sitting back, crossing his legs and carelessly
flecking his cigar ash on the floor, he added in patronizing tones:
"How's the world using you?"

"Good evening, Mr. Gillie," returned the widow graciously. "How are
you?"

"Oh, fairly well to middlin'." Glancing at the littered table, he
said: "Still busy on the graduation dress, I see."