Mrs Clyde did not like me.

I do not mean to say, remember, that she was impolite, or grim, or
wanting in courtesy.

The reverse was the case, as she was one of the smoothest, suavest
persons you ever met.

But, there is an exquisitely refined way in which a woman of the world
can make you understand that your presence is "de trop" and your society
distasteful, without saying a single word that might be construed into
an offence against good breeding.

Mrs Clyde was a thorough mistress of this art.

Her searching eye could appraise at a glance a man's mental calibre or a
lady's toilette. It seemed to pierce you through and through, exploring
your inmost thoughts, and enlightening her as to what her course of
procedure should be in regard to you, before she had spoken a word, or
you either.

So _I_ believed at any rate; for, to tell the honest truth, I was
horribly afraid of Min's mother. I always felt on tenter hooks in her
presence, from the very first date of our acquaintanceship.

On coming into the room where Min and I were regarding Dicky Chip's
performances with loving eyes, and I completely "translated" by various
combinating influences, Mrs Clyde appeared to take in the situation in
an instant--"an eyewink," as a minute portion of time is happily
rendered in the Teutonic tongue. Certainly, she grasped everything at a
glance--even the contingency that might have possibly occurred, for, my
embarrassment was not lost upon her. I saw an anxious expression hover
across her face for a second, to be quickly replaced by her ordinary
society look of calm, studied suavity.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, in well-feigned astonishment at my presence--"Mr
Lorton, how d'ye do!"

"How do you do, Mrs Clyde?" said I, straightening myself up, and then
bending in feeble attempt at a bow.

She said nothing further for the moment, thinking it best to leave the
burden of the conversation on me, so as to better promote my ease of
manner and general welfare, in a "company" light. She was dexterous in
fence, was Mrs Clyde.

"Ah!" said I at length after an uncomfortable pause, "that was a
delightful evening we had last night!" It was a polite falsehood; but
then, one must say something when in "society" be it never so senseless
and silly!

"I am glad you enjoyed yourself," she answered, although she knew well
enough that I had done no such thing.

"Oh, mamma!" said Min, coming to the rescue, "see what a dear little
bird Mr