Well, let him! It was little enough fun she got out of life anyhow.

She nodded to Cassidy.

They clinked the three glasses and drank, the landlord and Mrs Herring at a gulp, Ada with tiny sips as if it were poison.
"Well, I'll leave you to your bit of gossip; I think I hear the child crying," said the landlord, backing out of the door with a grin.
Mrs Herring, who had forgotten her palpitations, filled her glass again, and sipped slowly to keep Ada company.

In half an hour Ada finished her second glass.

A pleasant glow had spread through her body.