Being 'on his own' now, he does not, of course expect a supply of money from his father, nor on the other hand does Tony try to force his authority upon George. Whilst he was here, George met a few of his old chums up in the Town, and about midnight he came home rather drunk. We were all abed; he had to knock several times; and in the end Tony went down to let him in. 'Twas a good opportunity for a quarrel that would have wakened the whole Square. But Tony said nothing then. He saw George safely to bed, and merely remarked next day in George's hearing, that "'Tisn't gude to drink tu much if you can help o'it, specially when yu'm young; besides, it costis tu much." George was very ashamed. [Sidenote: _MRS WIDGER'S DIPLOMACY_] Mrs Widger it was who had the row over George's spree, but not with George, and owing to her clever diplomacy it was hardly a row at all. Mabel rushed into the house at breakfast-time. "Mother, is George come home?" "Course he is. What next?" "Well, Lottie Rousdon says as he come'd home last night an' yu an' Dad wuden' let 'en in. Drunk's a handcart, falling about, her says he was." "Tis a lie!" began Mrs Widger loudly. Then she appeared to think of something; her eyes widened, and she spoke quietly. "Who told yu thic tale?" "Why, May Rousdon jest as I was coming in now. Her stopped me an' asked if what Lottie'd told her was true." "Yu go an' tell Lottie Rousdon that if she has a minute to spare when she comes home this afternoon to clean herself [Lottie Rousdon is a day servant], as mother'd like to see her. Don't yu"--this with rising voice--"don't yu tell anything more'n that or I'll break your neck for yu." Mabel rushed out full of importance. "The lying bitch!" remarked Mam Widger. Lottie Rousdon walked into the trap. She came in the early evening, feathers flying, very innocent. She was in a strange house, not in the Square or among her relatives. Mrs Widger was on her own ground. Both went into the front room. "What for did yu--" we could not help hearing. "Oh, I didn't, Mrs Widger; I'm sure I didn't----" "Yu did!" "Mabel," called Mrs Widger. "Go'n ask May Rousdon to kindly step this way." May Rousdon came. "Who told yu what yu told Mabel about George, this morning? Did _yu_ make it up?" "'Twas Lottie told me, Mrs Widger." "There! if I didn't think.... Don't yu ever say such a wicked thing again! Yu don' know what harm...." The parlour door was shut fast. A hubbub went on within. After a time, Lottie, weeping, was led out of the house by her sister.