When Halley came the storm had gone, and the moon was shining on the water. He had quite a boyish appearance and came in with a cheerful smile. Ena greeted him with pleasure, but felt a sense of shame at Jack’s absence again.
“I am sorry to call so late, Miss Sefton,” he said “but I have been away all day, and I thought there was more chance of seeing your brother—besides it will be better for the wireless.”
“Jack promised to be in,” she said doubtfully. “He should have been here before now.”
He placed his parcel on the little table, and undid the wrapper, and she saw with misgiving what was inside.
“You have not got a new battery?” she asked, and her colour rose.
“Yes, I thought perhaps that was the trouble,” and he proceeded to fix it.
She was annoyed. It was taking a mean advantage of their poverty and she resented it, but what could she say? Offer to pay for it? That would be an insult again. She feared what Jack would say knowing how sensitive he was on this point.
“You should not have done that,” she said weakly.
“It is nothing, Miss Sefton. It is too good a set to be idle.”
But there was a feeling of restraint between them which he noticed. The adjustment made, he turned on the switch, and tuned in. A burst of music filled the room, and conversation was unnecessary.