On a side-table were some open cardboard boxes containing artificial flowers and leaves; for Bessie had now and then a little 'mounting' to do for a shop in Upper Street, and in that way aided the income of the family.

She was in even better spirits than usual at the prospect of letting her top-rooms.

On hearing that piece of news, Samuel, who had just come from the nearest public-house with a foaming jug, executed a wild dance round the room and inadvertently knocked two plates from the dresser.

This accident made his wife wrathful, but only for a moment; presently she was laughing as unrestrainedly as ever, and bestowing upon the repentant young man her familiar flattery.
At eleven o'clock Sidney left them, and mused with smiles on his way home.

This was not exactly his ideal of domestic happiness, yet it was better than the life led by the Hewetts--better than that of other households with which he was acquainted--better far, it seemed to him, than the aspirations which were threatening to lead poor Clara--who knew whither?
A temptation beset him to walk round into Upper Street and pass Mrs.Tubbs's bar.