"I might 'ave known wot yer were up to, an' me see a weddin' in me cup only this very mornin." Mrs Yabsley looked at Jonah and laughed.
"Might as well own up, Joe," she cried.

"The cat's out of the bag." "Right y'are," cried Jonah.

"Let 'em all come.

I can't be 'ung fer it." Mrs Yabsley, delighted with her son-in-law's speech, invited Mrs Swadling to a seat, and then stepped out to ask a few of her neighbours in to drink a glass and wish them luck.

In half an hour the room was full of women, who were greatly impressed by the bottles of beer, a luxury for aristocrats.