It was a poor fight in the opinion of the Westminster Bridge Road. Bert was overmatched. He was perfectly willing to marry Edie at once, as it happened, but Jenny enjoyed seeing one of his dark eyes closed up by her brother. Alfie, having done his duty, never spoke to Bert or Edie again.
"However could she have been so mad," said Mrs. Raeburn. "Soft! Soft! That's you," she went on, turning on her husband.
"Oh, of course it's me. Everything's me," said Charlie.
"Yes, it is you. You can't say no to a glass of beer and Edie can't say no to a man."
"What would you have done, mother," asked Jenny, "if Edie's Bert had gone away and left her?"
"She'd never have come inside my house again—not ever again."
"You're funny."
"Funny?" said Mrs. Raeburn. "You try and be funny, and see what happens."
"Who cares?" said Jenny. "It wouldn't trouble me. I'm sick of this dog's island. But men. Whatever next? Don't you imagine I'll let any man—— Not much."
"Don't you be too sure, Mrs. Clever," said the mother.