"Am gaun' to breeng the dinner in!" he called out to Arnold.

"And, mind ye, there's nae knocking at the door possible, when I've got the tray in baith my hands, and mairs the pity, the gout in baith my feet." With that friendly warning, Mr.Bishopriggs went his way to the regions of the kitchen.
Arnold continued his conversation with Anne in terms which showed that the question of his leaving the inn had been the question once more discussed between them while they were standing at the window.
"You see we can't help it," he said.

"The waiter has gone to bring the dinner in.

What will they think in the house, if I go away already, and leave 'my wife' to dine alone ?" It was so plainly necessary to keep up appearances for the present, that there was nothing more to be said.

Arnold was committing a serious imprudence--and yet, on this occasion, Arnold was right.