"So he is," ses Mrs. Burtenshaw.

Silas Winch coughed again.

"I suppose he likes room to stretch 'imself about in?" he ses, looking
round.

Mrs. Burtenshaw wiped 'er eyes and then, knowing 'ow Silas had been an
old friend o' Bill's, she drew 'er chair a bit closer and told him 'ow it
was. "A better 'usband, when he's sober, you couldn't wish to see," she
ses, wiping her eyes agin. "He'd give me anything--if he 'ad it."

Silas's face got longer than ever. "As a matter o' fact," he ses, "I'm a
bit down on my luck, and I called round with the 'ope that Bill could
lend me a bit, just till I can pull round."

Mrs. Burtenshaw shook her 'ead.

"Well, I s'pose I can stay and see 'im?" ses Silas. "Me and 'im used to
be great pals at one time, and many's the good turn I've done him. Wot
time'll he be 'ome?"

"Any time after twelve," ses Mrs. Burtenshaw; "but you'd better not be
here then. You see, 'im being in that condition, he might think you was
your own ghost come according to promise and be frightened out of 'is
life. He's often talked about it."

Silas Winch scratched his head and looked at 'er thoughtful-like.