Joseph made a choking noise in his throat and then 'e got up, leaving the presents and the 'arf-sovereign on the table, and stood by the door, staring at them.
“Good-night all,” he ses. Then he went to the front door and opened it, and arter standing there a moment came back as though he 'ad forgotten something.
“Are you coming along now?” he ses to the cook.
“Not just yet,” ses the cook, very quick.
“I'll wait outside for you, then,” ses Joseph, grinding his teeth. “Don't be long.”
[ANGELS' VISITS]
MR. WILLIAM JOBLING leaned against his door-post, smoking. The evening air, pleasant in its coolness after the heat of the day, caressed his shirt-sleeved arms. Children played noisily in the long, dreary street, and an organ sounded faintly in the distance. To Mr. Jobling, who had just consumed three herrings and a pint and a half of strong tea, the scene was delightful. He blew a little cloud of smoke in the air, and with half-closed eyes corrected his first impression as to the tune being played round the corner.
“Bill!” cried the voice of Mrs. Jobling, who was washing-up in the tiny scullery.
“'Ullo!” responded Mr. Jobling, gruffly.