Mr. Kybird and his wife, entering through the shop, were just in time to witness a spirited performance on the part of Mr. Silk, the cherished purpose of which was to deprive them of a lodger. He drew back as they entered and, raising his voice above Miss Kybird's, began to explain his action.
“Teddy, I'm ashamed of you,” said Mr. Kybird, shaking his head. “A little joke like that; a little innercent joke.”
“If it 'ad been a darning-needle now—” began Mrs. Kybird.
“All right,” said the desperate Mr. Silk, “'ave it your own way. Let 'Melia marry 'im—I don't care—-I give 'er up.”
“Teddy!” said Mr. Kybird, in a shocked voice. “Teddy!”
Mr. Silk thrust him fiercely to one side and passed raging through the shop. The sound of articles falling in all directions attested to his blind haste, and the force with which he slammed the shop-door was sufficient evidence of his state of mind.
“Well, upon my word,” said the staring Mr. Kybird; “of all the outrageyous—”
“Never mind 'im,” said his wife, who was sitting in the easy chair, distributing affectionate smiles between her daughter and the startled Mr. Nugent. “Make 'er happy, Jack, that's all I arsk. She's been a good gal, and she'll make a good wife. I've seen how it was between you for some time.”
“So 'ave I,” said Mr. Kybird. He shook hands warmly with Mr. Nugent, and, patting that perturbed man on the back, surveyed him with eyes glistening with approval.
“It's a bit rough on Teddy, isn't it?” inquired Mr. Nugent, anxiously; “besides—”