He finished the word with a cough and gazed with protruding eyes at Mr.Chalk.

The appearance of that gentleman sobered him at once.
"No," he said, slowly.
"How do you know ?" inquired Mrs.Chalk.
"Because she can't whistle," replied Captain Brisket, feeling his way carefully.

"And what's more, she wouldn't if she could.

She's been too well brought up for that." He gave a cunning smile at Mr.Chalk, to which that gentleman, having decided at all hazards to keep the secret from Captain Bowers, made a ghastly response, and nodded to him to proceed.
"What's she got to do with my husband ?" demanded Mrs.Chalk, her voice rising despite herself.
"I'm coming to that," said Brisket, thoughtfully, as he gazed at the floor in all the agonies of composition; "Mr.Chalk is trying to get her a new place." "New place ?" said Mrs.Chalk, in a choking voice.
Captain Brisket nodded.

"She ain't happy where she is," he explained, "and Mr.Chalk--out o' pure good-nature and kindness of heart--is trying to get her another, and I honour him for it." He looked round triumphantly.