She looked up with an expression of disappointment as she perceived that he was alone.
'Where's Will got to again ?' she asked.
'He's gone to 'ave a drink with some of the chaps.

He said he wouldn't be long,' replied Slyme as he put his food basket on the dresser and went upstairs to his room to wash and to change his clothes.
When he came down again, Easton had not yet arrived.
'Everything's ready, except just to make the tea,' said Ruth, who was evidently annoyed at the continued absence of Easton, 'so you may as well have yours now.' 'I'm in no hurry.

I'll wait a little and see if he comes.

He's sure to be here soon.' 'If you're sure you don't mind, I shall be glad if you will wait,' said Ruth, 'because it will save me making two lots of tea.' They waited for about half an hour, talking at intervals in a constrained, awkward way about trivial subjects.

Then as Easton did not come, Ruth decided to serve Slyme without waiting any longer.