"I suppose you won't stay and pick a bit o' sup-per with us?" said Mrs. Silk.
"Why not?" inquired Mr. Wilks.
"I'm sure, if I had known," said Mrs. Silk, as she piloted him to a seat, "I'd 'ave 'ad something nice. There, now! If I 'aven't been and forgot the beer."
She left the table and went into the kitchen, and Mr. Wilks's eyes glistened as she returned with a large brown jug full of foaming ale and filled his glass.
"Teddy mustn't 'ave any," he said, sharply, as she prepared to fill that gentleman's glass.
"Just 'alf a glass," she said, winsomely.
"Not a drop," said Mr. Wilks, firmly.
Mrs. Silk hesitated, and screwing up her forehead glanced significantly at her son. "'Ave some by-and-by," she whispered.
"Give me the jug," said Mr. Silk, indignantly. "What are you listening to 'im for? Can't you see what's the matter with 'im?"
"Not to 'ave it," said Mr. Wilks; "put it 'ere."