went off alone and came back very cross, saying that Mrs. Jennings 'ad
been with 'em all the time, and when 'e spoke to Emma about it she said
it was just tit for tat, and reminded 'im 'ow she had 'ad to put up with
Charlie. For four nights running 'e went out for walks, with Emma
holding one of 'is arms and Mrs. Jennings the other.

"It's miserable for you all alone 'ere by yourself; Charlie," he ses.
"Why not come? She can't marry you against your will. Besides, I miss
you."

Charlie shook 'ands with 'im, but 'e said 'e wouldn't walk out with Mrs.
Jennings for a fortune. And all that Ted could say made no difference.
He stayed indoors of an evening reading the paper, or going for little
walks by 'imseif, until at last Ted came 'ome one evening, smiling all
over his face, and told 'im they had both been making fools of themselves
for nothing.

"Mrs. Jennings is going to be married," he ses, clapping Charlie on the
back.

"_Wot?_" ses Charlie.

Ted nodded. "Her and Emma 'ad words to-night," he ses, laughing, "and it
all come out. She's been keeping company for some time. He's away at
present, and they're going to be married as soon as 'e comes back."

"Well," ses Charlie, "why did she----"

"To oblige Emma," ses Ted, "to frighten you into staying at 'ome. I'd
'ad my suspicions for some time, from one or two things I picked up."