and dogs."

The clerk was leading the way to the little parlour; but she ignored the
movement, and went on to the kitchen. He could only follow her. "It's a
pity you came out when it threatened rain," said he.

"Business took me out," replied Mrs. Jones. "I've been up to the mill.
I heard young Rip was ill, and going to leave; so I went up to ask if
they'd try our Jim. But young Rip isn't going to leave, and isn't ill,
mother Floyd says, though it's certain he's not well. She can't think
what's the matter with the boy; he's always fancying he sees ghosts in
the river. I've had my trapes for nothing."

She had given her gown a good shake from the rain-drops in the middle of
the kitchen, and was now seated before the fire. The clerk stood by the
table, occasionally snuffing the candle, and wishing she'd take herself
off again.

"Where's Nancy gone?" asked she.

"I didn't hear her say."

"And she'll be gone a month of Sundays, I suppose. I shan't wait for her,
if the rain gives over."

"You'd be more comfortable in the small parlour," said the clerk, who
seemed rather fidgety; "there's a nice bit of fire there."

"I'm more comfortable here," contradicted Mrs. Jones. "Where's the good
of a bit of fire for a gown as wet as mine?"

Jabez Gum made no response. There was the lady, a fixture; and he could
only resign himself to the situation.

"How's your friend at the next house--Pike?" she began again
sarcastically.

"He's no friend of mine," said the clerk.

"It looks like it, at all events; or you'd have given him into custody
long ago. _I_ wouldn't let a man harbour himself so close to me. He's
taken to a new dodge now: going about with a pistol to shoot people."

"Who says so?" asked the clerk.

"I say so. He frighted that boy Ripper pretty near to death. The boy tore
home one night in a state of terror, and all they could get out of him
was that he'd met Pike with a pistol. It's weeks ago, and he hasn't got
over it yet."

"Did Pike level it at him?"

"I tell you that's all they could get out of the boy. He's a nice
jail-bird too, that young Rip, unless I'm mistaken. They might as
well send him away, and make room for our Jim."

"I think you are about the most fanciful, unjust, selfish woman in
Calne!" exclaimed the clerk, unable to keep down his anger any longer.
"You'd take young Ripper's character away without scruple, just because
his place might suit your Jim!"

"I'm what?" shrieked Mrs. Jones