A Great Success By Mrs. Humphry Ward Author of "Eltham House," "Delia Blanchflower," etc. New York Hearst's International Library Co. 1916 PART I CHAPTER I "Arthur,--what did you give the man?" "Half a crown, my dear! Now don't make a fuss. I know exactly what you're going to say!" "_Half a crown!_" said Doris Meadows, in consternation. "The fare was one and twopence. Of course he thought you mad. But I'll get it back!" And she ran to the open window, crying "Hi!" to the driver of a taxi-cab, who, having put down his fares, was just on the point of starting from the door of the small semi-detached house in a South Kensington street, which owned Arthur and Doris Meadows for its master and mistress. The driver turned at her call. "Hi!--Stop! You've been over-paid!" The man grinned all over, made her a low bow, and made off as fast as he could. Arthur Meadows, behind her, went into a fit of laughter, and as his wife, discomfited, turned back into the room he threw a triumphant arm around her. "I had to give him half a crown, dear, or burst. Just look at these letters--and you know what a post we had this morning! Now don't bother about the taxi! What does it matter? Come and open the post."