Mrs Partridge broke the silence by describing his character to the visitor as if he were a naughty child.
"William always sulks w'en 'e can't get 'is own way.

Not another word will we 'ear from 'im tonight.

'E knows 'e ought to be civil to people as eat at 'is own table, an' that only makes 'im worse.

But for all 'is sulks, 'e's got the temper of an angel w'en 'e's 'ad 'is beer.
I've met all sorts--them as smashes the furniture for spite, an' them as bashes their wives 'cause it's cheaper, but gimme William every time." Partridge took no notice, except to bury his nose deeper in the paper.
He had reached the advertisements, and a careful study of these would carry him safely to bed.

After tea, Pinkey set to work and washed up the dishes, while Mrs Partridge entertained the guest.