Here at least the steward was safe from the designs of Mrs.Silk and the innuendoes of Fullalove Alley.
It was at this time, too, that the widow stood in most need of his advice, the behaviour of Edward Silk being of a nature to cause misgivings in any mother's heart.

A strange restlessness possessed him, varied with occasional outbursts of hilarity and good nature.

Dark hints emanated from him at these times concerning a surprise in store for her at no distant date, hints which were at once explained away in a most unsatisfactory manner when she became too pressing in her inquiries.

He haunted the High Street, and when the suspicious Mrs.Silk spoke of Amelia he only laughed and waxed humorous over such unlikely subjects as broken hearts and broken vows.
It was a week after Mr.Kybird's visit to the alley that he went, as usual, for a stroll up and down the High Street.

The evening was deepening, and some of the shops had already lit up, as Mr.Silk, with his face against the window-pane, tried in vain to penetrate the obscurity of Mr.Kybird's shop.