Pinkey and her stepmother, who were listening to this dialogue at the door, ready for flight at the first sound of breaking glass or splintered wood, now ventured to step into the room.

Chook, secure of victory, criticized the weather, but Partridge remained silent as a graven image.

Mrs Partridge set the table for tea with nervous haste.
"Tea's ready, William," she cried at last.
William took his place, and, without lifting his eyes, began to serve the meat.

Mrs Partridge had made a special effort.

She had bought a pig's cheek, some German sausage, and a dozen scones at seven for threepence.