He said, “No, Mrs. Beach, I didn’t see her; I went straight out on to the river. No doubt she went out for a little walk and met a friend, as you say. She’ll be back soon, no doubt, and I’m afraid you’ll have to let her in⁠ ⁠… very naughty of her to stay out so late. Nothing to be done, I fear. Good night, Mrs. Beach.”

Mrs. Beach caught sympathetically at Stephen’s meaning suggestion of Emily’s naughtiness. “Good night, sir,” she puffed; “she always was a one for the young men, though I says it myself, but there youth will ’ave its fling, they say, and sorry I am to disturb you, sir, but I thought as I’d best speak, it was that late, sir.”

“Quite right, Mrs. Beach. Good night.”

“Good night, sir.”