“I don’t know what you mean by that, Mrs. Cooper. But no one can call me a drunken old woman.”
“I know all about you, Mrs. Railing. And I know a great deal more than Bertie does, and if he wants to know I’ll tell him.”
Mrs. Railing turned so purple that it was quite alarming.
“Oh, you’re a wicked woman, Mrs. Cooper, and what your ’usband said to me only the week before last is quite true. Your ’usband ’ad something to put up with, I lay, and ’e’s told me over and over again what sort of a lady you are.”
“Now then, mother, for Heaven’s sake don’t quarrel with her now,” cried Bertram.
“And what did my ’usband say to you, Mrs. Railing?”
“Never you mind, Mrs. Cooper; I’m not one to go and repeat what’s been said to me privately.”
Winnie had watched them with increasing alarm, and now, growing terrified, as there seemed every prospect of a battle royal, stood up.
“Bertram, it’s time for me to go away.”
“I’ll take you to the station,” he said, pale with anger.