As Owen had to go to the office to see the wallpaper spoken of by Hunter, he accompanied Newman when the latter went to get his wages. Nimrod was waiting for them, and had the money ready in an envelope, which he handed to Newman, who took it without speaking and went away.
Misery had been rummaging amongst the old wallpapers, and had got out a great heap of odd rolls, which he now submitted to Owen, but after examining them the latter said that they were unsuitable for the purpose, so after some argument Misery was compelled to sign an order for some proper cartridge paper, which Owen obtained at a stationer’s on his way home.
The next morning, when Misery went to the “Cave”, he was in a fearful rage, and he kicked up a terrible row with Crass. He said that Mr Rushton had been complaining of the lack of discipline on the job, and he told Crass to tell all the hands that for the future singing in working hours was strictly forbidden, and anyone caught breaking this rule would be instantly dismissed.
Several times during the following days Nimrod called at Owen’s flat to see how the work was progressing and to impress upon him the necessity of not taking too much trouble over it.
Chapter 17
The Rev. John Starr
“What time is it now, Mum?” asked Frankie as soon as he had finished dinner on the following Sunday.
“Two o’clock.”
“Hooray! Only one more hour and Charley will be here! Oh, I wish it was three o’clock now, don’t you, Mother?”
“No, dear, I don’t. You’re not dressed yet, you know.”
Frankie made a grimace.