The first thing to be done was to lure her 'man' into a false security by subtle commiseration with him on the 'slackness' of trade, as also by a wonderful submissiveness, even to the extent of going without bacon for breakfast in order that she might save enough to buy him tobacco. Now this form of procedure with a selfish man usually produces excellent results. If he is sufficiently selfish, he does not stay to inquire why or wherefore, but takes all he can, as a cat her cream, without delay, without a thank you--nay, unlike tabby, without even an inward purr. It was so with Geordie, who began incontinently to brag about his 'missus's trainin',' and how he was 'champion' at 'fettlin' a wife's nonsense,' and, swollen with self-satisfaction, began now to treat her with a sort of contemptuous toleration. A fortnight or so after Mary had made trial of her puddings, Geordie carelessly mentioned the fact that he would be away over the 'week-end' in and about Bridgeton, and demanded some 'brass' from her for the replenishing of his 'pack.' Outwardly submissive, she gave him five shillings from her small savings, but inwardly determined that it was the last sum of money he should have from her. On Friday night Geordie departed gaily for Bridgeton, and on the Saturday afternoon Mary followed suit, clad in a thick cloak which might serve her for a disguise upon occasion. When she arrived there, the main street and market were thickly crowded with a swarm of holiday-making pitmen, country folk, farmers and their wives, hinds, male and female, for it was the date of the annual fair and hiring, of 'the general assembly' of tramps, pedlars, 'tinklers' (tinkers), show-men, and the like, whose business it is to attend such gatherings. In such a crowd Mary felt safe from recognition, but it might be a difficult task to discover her 'man' in all that company. An hour or two passed, and she had been up and down the long street twice without success; but just as she was turning into a cheap refreshment-room, with 'Tea and coffy always redy' written in a slovenly hand upon a dirty placard in the window, she caught the sound of a voice raised in semi-drunken irritation close behind her which caused her to turn her head hurriedly in that direction. Yes, there he was without doubt, her Geordie, heavy with liquor already--not 'mortal' yet, but quarrelsome. Aha! and that was the 'fancy' wife, of course, who had him fast by the arm--a blousy, red-faced, fat-armed, big chested woman, who was evidently trying to persuade her charge to come home much against his inclination. At sight of her rival--immodest, gross, overpowering--Mary shrank back aghast, and it was only after a struggle with herself and a forcible iteration of her wrongs, that she could persuade herself slowly and reluctantly to follow the couple in front of her.