Charlie coughed, feeling a bit orkard-like, and Emma stood there as if
waiting for 'im to go.

"Well, so long," ses Charlie at last. "Take care o' my little prize
packet."

"You can come, too, if you like," ses Emma. "Father said I was to bring
you. Don't 'ave none of your nonsense there, that's all."

Charlie thanked 'er, and they was all walking along, him and Mrs.
Jennings behind, when Emma looked over 'er shoulder.

"Sophy's young man is coming," she ses.

"Ho!" ses Charlie. He walked along doing a bit o' thinking, and by and
by 'e gives a little laugh, and he ses, "I--I don't think p'r'aps I'll
come arter all."

"Afraid?" ses Emma, with a nasty laugh.

"No," ses Charlie.

"Well, it looks like it," ses Emma.

"He's brave enough where wimmen are concerned," ses Mrs. Jennings.

"I was thinking of you," ses Charlie.

"You needn't trouble about me," ses Mrs. Jennings. "I can look after