"Well, Lottie Rousdon says as he come'd home last night an' yu an' Dad wuden' let 'en in. Drunk's a handcart, falling about, her says he was."
"Tis a lie!" began Mrs Widger loudly. Then she appeared to think of something; her eyes widened, and she spoke quietly.
"Who told yu thic tale?"
"Why, May Rousdon jest as I was coming in now. Her stopped me an' asked if what Lottie'd told her was true."
"Yu go an' tell Lottie Rousdon that if she has a minute to spare when she comes home this afternoon to clean herself [Lottie Rousdon is a day servant], as mother'd like to see her. Don't yu"—this with rising voice—"don't yu tell anything more'n that or I'll break your neck for yu."
Mabel rushed out full of importance.
"The lying bitch!" remarked Mam Widger.
Lottie Rousdon walked into the trap. She came in the early evening, feathers flying, very innocent. She was in a strange house, not in the Square or among her relatives. Mrs Widger was on her own ground. Both went into the front room.
"What for did yu—" we could not help hearing.
"Oh, I didn't, Mrs Widger; I'm sure I didn't——"