’Mr Fisker isn’t in any way a special friend of mine, but I hear that he will be taking other ladies with him, and I fancy I might as well join the party.  It will be less dull for me, and I shall prefer company just at present for many reasons.  We shall start on the first of September.’  As this was said about the middle of August there was still some remnant of comfort for poor Mrs Pipkin.  A fortnight gained was something; and as Mr Fisker had come to England on business, and as business is always uncertain, there might possibly be further delay.  Then Mrs Hurtle made a further communication to Mrs Pipkin, which, though not spoken till the latter lady had her hand on the door, was, perhaps, the one thing which Mrs Hurtle had...