‘There’s many a true word said in joke.’
Bob moved uncomfortably. There was a brief silence, then the other, putting her face nearer his:
‘Not just yet. I want to use her to get all I can about that girl and her old beast of a grandfather. Mind you do as I tell you. Pennyloaf’s to have her back again, and she’s to make her talk, and you’re to get all you can from Pennyloaf—understand?’
There came noises from the shop. Three work-girls had just entered and were buying cakes, which they began to eat at the counter. They were loud in gossip and laughter, and their voices rang like brass against brass. Clem amused herself in listening to them for a few minutes; then she became absent, moving a finger round and round on her plate. A disagreeable flush still lingered under her eyes.
‘Have you told her about Clara?’
‘Told who?’
‘Who? Pennyloaf, of course.’
‘No, I haven’t. Why should I?’
‘Oh, you’re such a affectionate couple! See, you’re only to give her two shillin’s next week. Let her go hungry this nice weather.’
‘She won’t do that if Jane Snowdon comes back, so there you’re out of it!’