“Nar, nar!” from the bar.

“And I’d thank you kindly, sir, if you’d keep your swearing to yourself, sir,” said Mrs. Hall.

The stranger stood looking more like an angry diving helmet than ever. It was universally felt in the bar that Mrs. Hall had the better of him. His next words showed as much.

“Look here, my good woman⁠—” he began.

“Don’t ‘good woman’ me ,” said Mrs. Hall.

“I’ve told you my remittance hasn’t come.”