"Better husband than 'e does ?" she cried, sharply.

"Mr.Wilks ain't married." Mr.Nugent's baseless charge took the steward all aback.

He stiffened in his chair, a picture of consternation, and guilt appeared stamped on every feature; but he had the presence of mind to look to Mr.Nugent's eye for guidance and sufficient strength of character to accept this last bid for liberty.
"That's my business, sir," he quavered, in offended tones.
"But you ain't _married ?_" screamed Mrs.Silk.
"Never mind," said Nugent, pacifically.

"Perhaps I ought not to have mentioned it; it's a sore subject with Sam.

And I daresay there were faults on both sides.