Daniel went to her at once.
She was more slovenly in appearance than ever, and showed all the
signs of extreme poverty. Her face was not merely harsh and sour, it
indicated a process of degradation. The smile with which she greeted
Daniel was disagreeable through excessive anxiety to be
ingratiating. Her eyes were restless and shrewd. Daniel sat down
opposite to her, and rested his elbows on the table.
'Well, how's all at 'ome?' he began, avoiding her look as he spoke.
'Nothing much to boast of,' Kate replied with an unpleasant giggle.
'We keep alive.'
'Emma all right?'
'She's all right, except for her bad 'ead-aches. She's had another
of 'em this week. But I think it's a bit better to-day.'
'She'll have a rest to-morrow.'
The following day was the August bank-holiday.
'No, she'll have no rest. She's going to do some cleaning in Goswell
Road.'
Daniel drummed with his fingers on the table.
'She isn't fit to do it, that's quite certain,' Mrs. Clay continued.
'I wish I could get her out for an hour or two. She wants fresh air,
that's what it is. I s'pose you're going somewhere to-morrow?'
It was asked insinuatingly, and at the same time with an air of
weary resignation.
'Well, I did think o' gettin' as far as Epping Forest. D'you think
you could persuade Emma to come? you and the children as well, you
know.
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