There, his wife was standing, very pale, very erect, her eyes glittering ominously.
McKeith was through the gate and up the flight of steps in three or four strides.
He seemed to sense the antagonism in her, and demanded at once, without waiting to give her any greeting.
'Biddy, what's this I'm hearing about Wombo and that gin ?' 'I think you might have asked me before going to Mrs Hensor for information,' she answered with equal curtness.
He stared at her for a moment or two as if surprised; his face reddened, and his eyes, too, glittered.
'I don't know what you mean.

I had to speak to Mrs Hensor about beds being wanted up there, and of course I asked her how things had been going on.' 'And did she tell you that she had been inhuman and insolent ?' 'Inhuman...

Insolent!' 'She spoke to me impudently.

She defied my orders.' 'I am given to understand that she was carrying out mine,' said McKeith slowly.

'And if that's so, Mrs Hensor was in the right.' 'You put that woman before ME--before your wife ?' 'There's not another woman in the universe I'd put before my wife.