"Smells all over Melchester. I believe that fish is bad."
"I didn't buy it," replied Maria calmly.
II
The meat tea was served, and Mrs. Biddlecombe joined Quinney at table. He made no protests, but refused to touch the mackerel. When interrogated he said that he disliked stale fish.
"Stale fish, Joseph!"
"Did you buy it?"
"I did."
"Did you choose it?"
Mrs. Biddlecombe's ample cheeks turned a deeper damask.
"I did not. I instructed the fishmonger to send round some fresh fish."