They entered the Nelson with the satisfaction of returned travellers.
The next day was a work-day, and the thought of it put a damper on the men's spirits.

Most of them, moreover, had spent their money.

Some were already rolling dismally home, to sleep in preparation for the morrow.
Mrs.Morel, listening to their mournful singing, went indoors.

Nine o'clock passed, and ten, and still "the pair" had not returned.

On a doorstep somewhere a man was singing loudly, in a drawl: "Lead, kindly Light." Mrs.Morel was always indignant with the drunken men that they must sing that hymn when they got maudlin.
"As if 'Genevieve' weren't good enough," she said.
The kitchen was full of the scent of boiled herbs and hops.