The knowing look upon his face was mingled with one of obvious relief.
He sat down before the fire and smiled secretively. Once he sighed, and then chuckled till his mother's attention was attracted.
"What is it?" she asked.
Alf nodded his great head.
"Ah," he said. "He'll be easier now, you'll see. That's all. She's left."
His mother, who was stirring something in a saucepan, looked up.
"Who's left?"
"Her Ern got into trouble with."
Anne Caspar ceased to stir.
"What's that?" she asked sharply.