"Well, they're jolly good." He lay far back in the chair and spread his legs wide in front of him, his thoughts wandered pleasantly under the slow stimulation of the music. Darwen himself seemed to revel in it too, they were silent for some time; when the door opened and Mrs Darwen came in. Carstairs, sitting motionless in the chair, turned his head at the sound, and then suddenly sprang up.
"Ah! why did you do that? I wouldn't have disturbed you for worlds." She held out her hand. "How are you?"
"First class, thanks."
"I could see that from the way you were sitting, men only sit quite still like that when they've had a good day at something. When Charlie used to come home—why, what have you been doing?" she looked closely at one of his eyes.
Carstairs rubbed it thoughtfully. "I don't think it'll get black," he said.
"He's knocked my mouth all side ways, too, mater!" Darwen said over his shoulder.
Mrs Darwen laughed. "What would the councillors think if they saw you two knocking each other about like that?"
"The councillors, dear mater, are beneath contempt. Let's talk about something pleasant. I've been urging Carstairs to get married."
"Who to?"
"Oh, anybody."