With a scornful glance she laid before him the strap with which he was in the habit of striking her.
"There's no arguing with a woman," he said, with rare discretion. "Come, it's time to get to bed. I suppose the new lodger is in."
"He came in an hour ago."
"And the little girl?"
"She's asleep with Sally."
Mr. Chester, who had risen, stood silent for a few moments, drumming gently with his fingers on the table.
"Did you see him when he came home?"
Mrs. Chester's anger was spent, and her husband's kinder tone now met with a kindred response.
"No, Dick."
"Ah, then, there's no use asking. But you might have heard something, Loo."