In a short time Pennyloaf began to be aware of peculiarities of
behaviour in her husband for which she could not account. Though
there appeared no necessity for the step, he insisted on their once
more seeking new lodgings, and, before the removal, he destroyed all
his medals and moulds.
'What's that for, Bob?' Pennyloaf inquired.
'I'll tell you, and mind you hold your tongue about it. Somebody's
been saying as these things might get me into trouble. Just you be
careful not to mention to people that I used to make these kind of
things.'
'But why should it get you into trouble?'
'Mind what I tell you, and don't ask questions. You're always too
ready at talking.'
His absences of an evening were nothing new, but his manner on
returning was such as Pennyloaf had never seen in him. He appeared
to be suffering from some intense excitement; his hands were
unsteady; he showed the strangest nervousness if there were any
unusual sounds in the house. Then he certainly obtained money of
which his wife did not know the source; he bought new articles of
clothing, and in explanation said that he had won bets. Pennyloaf
remarked these things with uneasiness; she had a fear during her
lonely evenings for which she could give no reason.
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