He had another long enjoyable laugh, to start up half frightened, for a dark figure approached him so suddenly, that it was close upon him before he was aware of the fact. "What are you laughing at?" said the newcomer, sharply. "What devil's game hev yow and that Dick Glaire been hatching?" "Hatching? Devil's game, Tom Podmore? why, can't a man laugh in the lane if he likes? But there, I'm off up to the mill, for it'll reean to-night, mun." Tom Podmore strode off after Richard Glaire, muttering angrily, and on getting close to the town, it was to see the young man walking right in the middle of the road, to avoid the men standing about on the pebble-paved sidewalks. It was well he did so, for there were plenty of hands ready to be raised against him, and had one struck at him, it would have been the signal for a rain of blows: for scores of men in the place were now vowing vengeance against the man whom they accused of starving their wives and bairns. In fact, it had so far been Richard Glaire's insolent temerity that had saved him from assault. He had gone boldly about, urged thereto by his eagerness to meet little Daisy Banks, but for which engagements he would probably have stayed indoors, and run greater risks on the few occasions when he showed himself. As it was, he hastened his steps this night, on seeing the dark groups about, and when Tom Podmore closed up, he almost ran the last few steps, dashed open the door, and, closing it, stood panting in the hall. It was about half-past ten now, and he listened, with his hand upon the bolt, to the muttering voices without for a few minutes, till one of the maids came in to gaze at him curiously. "Here, fasten up this door," he said harshly. "Fasten the door, sir?" said the girl. "Yes, fasten the door, stupid," he cried, angrily. "But missus hasn't come in yet," said the girl. "Not come in?" said Richard, starting as he recalled where he had left her; and then, with a hasty pish! "I daresay she's at Purley's. I'll fasten the door. Don't sit up." The girl was leaving the hall, when he called after her: "Where's Miss Eve?" "Gone to bed, sir, with a sick headache." "She's always got a sick headache," growled Richard. "I wish you had 'em your sen," muttered the girl. "There, bring some hot water and a tumbler into the dining-room," said Richard, as the girl was turning to go. He went into the dining-room, got out the spirit-stand, and, on the hot water being brought, mixed himself a stiff glass of brandy and water, and drank it rapidly, listening occasionally to the footsteps and loud talking without.