However, again a few weeks and
things were somewhat improved; she eyed him like a wild beast, but
was less frequent in her outbreaks. Here, too, it might be that Mrs.
Peckover's influence was at work, for Clara spent at least four
evenings of the seven away from home, and always said she had been
at the Close. As indifferent as it was possible to be, Joseph made
no attempt to restrain her independence; indeed he was glad to have
her out of his way.
We must follow her on one of these evenings ostensibly passed at
Mrs. Peckover's--no, not follow, but discover her at nine o'clock.
In Old Street, not far from Shoreditch Station, was a shabby little
place of refreshment, kept by an Italian; pastry and sweet-stuff
filled the window; at the back of the shop, through a doorway on
each side of which was looped a pink curtain, a room, furnished with
three marble-topped tables, invited those who wished to eat and
drink more at ease than was possible before the counter. Except on
Sunday evening this room was very little used, and there, on the
occasion of which I speak, Clem was sitting with Bob Hewett. They
had been having supper together--French pastry and a cup of cocoa.
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