I think he knew that I
was smiling in the darkness.
"Jus' like ole times, when we was courtin' together," continued the
lady. "If it 'adn't been for a bronze-topped barmaid comin' between
us, what might 'ave been! ah, what might 'ave been!"
This tender reminiscence prompted the lady to sing, "Come to me, sweet
Marie," with incidental attempts at a step-dance. The _finale_ brought
us to Benbow Avenue.
"I shall speak to her husband and caution him severely about his
wife's conduct," said Granby to me.
I shrank into the background ready to move off directly the oration
began.
Granby knocked at the door and it opened.
"I have brought your wife home in a state--" he began.
"Ain't I 'ad a nice young man to take me for a walk while you've been
sitting guzzling by the fire?"
"You been taking my missis for a walk," said the indignant husband.
"I am a magistrate and a special constable--" began Granby.
"More shame to you. It's the likes of you 'oo disgraces the upper
clarses."
"Shut the door, Bill," said the lady. "Don't lower yourself by talking
to 'im. I never could abide a man as smelt o' gin meself.
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