When he had got
over his shock Bob felt surprised, and expressed the feeling in a--
'Well, what have _you_ got to say for yourself?'
'You jumped as if I'd stuck a pin in you,' replied Clem. 'Did you
think it was a copper?'
Bob looked at her with a surly smile. Though no one could have
mistaken the class she belonged to, Clem was dressed in a way which
made her companionship with Bob in his workman's clothing somewhat
incongruous; she wore a heavily trimmed brown hat, a long velveteen
jacket, and carried a little bag of imitation fur.
'Why ain't you at work?' she added. 'Does Mrs. Pennyloaf Hewett know
how you spend your time?'
'Hasn't your husband taught you to mind your own business?'
Clem took the retort good-humouredly, and they walked on conversing.
Not altogether at his ease thus companioned, Bob turned out of the
main street, and presently they came within sight of the British
Museum.
'Ever been in that place?' Clem asked.
'Of course I have,' he replied, with his air of superiority.
'I haven't. Is there anything to pay? Let's go in for half an hour.'
It was an odd freak, but Bob began to have a pleasure in this
renewal of intimacy; he wished he had been wearing his best suit.
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