After every lesson she was accustomed to examine the piano as if it were her own property.

When she entered the bedroom again, Ada was whispering rapidly to Ray.

She looked up as Clara entered, and gave him some money in a piece of paper.
"An' tell 'im I'll send the rest to-morrer," she added aloud.

Ray went down the back stairs, swinging an empty millet-bag in his hand.

For another five minutes Clara remained standing, to show that she was anxious to get away, while Ada abused her husband, giving detailed accounts of his meanness and neglect.