He hoped so, with a vague distaste at finding the place empty of her cheerful presence.

Be looked at his watch; it was nearly four o'clock.

She ought to be home by half-past four or five, anyway.

He glanced sidelong at Jim and quietly slackened his pace a little.

Jim was telling one of those long, rambling tales of the little happenings of a narrow life, and Lite was supposed to be listening instead of thinking about when Jean would return home.