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Pennyloaf could not even ward off the blows that descended upon her head; she was pinned against the wall, her hat was torn away, her hair began to fly in disorder. But Bob effected a speedy rescue. He gripped Clem's muscular arms, and forced them behind her back as if he meant to dismember her. Even then it was with no slight effort that he restrained the girl's fury.
Strangely enough this feeling expressed itself one day in the form of a rebuke to Bob for neglecting Pennyloaf Pennyloaf, whom John had always declined to recognise. 'I hear no good of your goin's on, remarked Hewett, on a casual encounter in the street. 'A married man ought to give up the kind of company as you keep. 'I do no harm, replied Bob bluntly. 'Has my wife been complaining to you?
That Bob Hewett could interest himself, with whatever motive, in a person of this description, Miss Peckover at first declined to believe. A hint, however, was quite enough to excite her jealous temperament; as proof accumulated, cunning and ferocity wrought in her for the devising of such a declaration of war as should speedily scare Pennyloaf from the field.
Pennyloaf plucked at his elbow, but Bob was beginning to feel that he must display spirit. Because he was married, that was no reason for his relinquishing the claims to leadership in gallantry which had always been recognised. Hollo! Here was Suke Jollop! She had just quarrelled with Clem, and had been searching for the hostile camp.
In her heart she rejoiced that Bob knew no craving for strong liquor. Towards the end of the journey the young man with the concertina passed round his hat. Clem Peckover had come by the same train; she was one of a large party which had followed close behind Bob and Pennyloaf to the railway station.
'You run off 'ome! he shouted to Pennyloaf. 'If she tries this on again, I'll murder her! Pennyloaf's hysterical cries and the frantic invectives of her assailant made the Passage ring. Again Bob roared to the former to be off, and was at length obeyed. When Pennyloaf was out of sight he released Clem.
Suppose Pennyloaf behaved as badly as her mother does, who on earth would have the right to blame her? But we can't expect miracles; so long as she lives decently, it's the most that can be looked for. And there you are; that isn't enough to keep a fellow like Bob Hewett in order. I doubt whether any wife would manage it, but as for poor Pennyloaf
He would come back, and this charge against him would be proved false; Pennyloaf could not distinguish between her desire that something might happen and the probability of its doing so. But darkness fell upon the streets, and her watch was kept in rain. She dreaded the thought of passing another night in uncertainty.
How characteristic of a high-spirited people that nowhere could be found any amusement appealing to the mere mind, or calculated to effeminate by encouraging a love of beauty. Bob had a sovereign to get rid of. He shied for cocoa-nuts, he swung in the boat with Pennyloaf, he rode with her on the whirligigs.
Much Clem cared for antiquities; when she had wearied herself in pretending interest, a seat in an unvisited corner gave her an opportunity for more congenial dialogue. 'How's Mrs. Pennyloaf? she asked, with a smile of malice. 'How's Mr. What's-his-name Snowdon? was the reply. 'My husband's a gentleman. Good thing for me I had the sense to wait. 'And for me too, I dare say.
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