On the strength of the fact that he wrote for the newspapers and had published two novels, Mrs. Medley regarded Mr. Garnet as an eccentric individual who had to be humored. Whatever he did or said filled her with a mild amusement. She received his daily harangues in the same spirit as that in which a nurse listens to the outpour ings of the family baby. She was surprised when he said anything sensible enough for her to understand. His table being clear of breakfast and his room free from disturbing in?uences.