He patted the floor with the flat of his foot and wondered what would happen next.

Nothing happened for a good while.
The minister sipped and sipped his tea till none was left...
Dad said: "I'll see what's keeping her," and rose--glad if ever man was glad--to get away.

He found Mother seated on the ironbark table in the kitchen.

They did n't speak.

They looked at each other sympathisingly.
"Well ?" Dad whispered at last; "what are you going to do ?" Mother shook her head.