It was a pity, as he often said, that he had not more control over his feelings.

Maggie saw at once that he was, as usual, a little drunk.
"Well," she said.

"Come in, Uncle.

Father is in church, I think," she added.
Uncle Mathew stepped with careful deliberation into the hall, put his bag on a chair, and began a long, rambling explanation.
"You know, Maggie, that I would have sent you a post card if I had had an idea, but, upon my soul, there I was suddenly in Drymouth on important business.

I thought to myself on waking this morning--I took a room at the 'Three Tuns'-- 'Why, there are Charles and Maggie whom I haven't seen for an age.' I'd have sent you a telegram but the truth is, my dear, that I didn't want to spend a penny more than I must.
Things haven't been going so well with me of late.