On the table was a small gong, which Mrs Herring rang.

Cassidy himself, the landlord, answered the ring.
"Good dey, good dey to you, Mrs Herring," he said briskly.

"The same as usual, I suppose?
And what'll your friend take ?" he added, grinning at Ada.
"My friend, Mrs Jones," said the housekeeper.
"Glad to meet you," cried Cassidy.

"A terrible hill this," he continued, winking at Ada.

"We should never see Mrs Herring, if it wasn't for the hill." "Nothing for me," said Ada, shaking her head.
"Now just a drop to keep me company," begged Mrs Herring.
As Ada continued to shake her head, Cassidy went out, and returned with a bottle of brandy and three glasses on a tray.
"Sure, I forgot to tell you I'm a father again; father number nine, unless I've lost count.