There were the semitone of voice and half-hidden expression of eyes which tell the initiated how very fragile is the ice of reserve at these times.
Footsteps were heard.

Mr.Swancourt then entered the room, and their private colloquy ended.
The day after this partial revelation, Mr.Swancourt proposed a drive to the cliffs beyond Targan Bay, a distance of three or four miles.
Half an hour before the time of departure a crash was heard in the back yard, and presently Worm came in, saying partly to the world in general, partly to himself, and slightly to his auditors: 'Ay, ay, sure! That frying of fish will be the end of William Worm.

They be at it again this morning--same as ever--fizz, fizz, fizz!' 'Your head bad again, Worm ?' said Mr.Swancourt.

'What was that noise we heard in the yard ?' 'Ay, sir, a weak wambling man am I; and the frying have been going on in my poor head all through the long night and this morning as usual; and I was so dazed wi' it that down fell a piece of leg-wood across the shaft of the pony-shay, and splintered it off.

"Ay," says I, "I feel it as if 'twas my own shay; and though I've done it, and parish pay is my lot if I go from here, perhaps I am as independent as one here and there."' 'Dear me, the shaft of the carriage broken!' cried Elfride.