Bob Hewett, returned from his evening recreations.

'Oh, that's you, is it?' cried Clem. 'Come down; I want to speak to
you.'

'Wait till to-morrow,' answered Bob, advancing towards the stairs.

'Wait! we'll see about that!'

She sprang forward, and with a prompt exertion of muscle, admirable
in its way, whirled Bob round and dragged him to the head of the
kitchen flight. The young fellow took it in good part, and went down
with her.

'You go up into the passage,' said Clem to her servant, and was
immediately obeyed.

'Now,' resumed Miss Peckover, when she had closed the door, 'who
have you been goin' about with to-night?'

'What are you talking about?' returned Bob, who had seated himself
on the table, and was regarding Clem jocosely. 'I've been with some
pals, that's all.'

'Pals! what sort o' pals? Do you call Pennyloaf Candy one o' your
pals?'

She stood before him in a superb attitude, her head poised fiercely,
her arms quivering at her sides, all the stature and vigour of her
young body emphasised by muscular strain.