Page 180 - sons-and-lovers

should come at the Christmas. This time William arrived
with a lady, but with no presents. Mrs. Morel had prepared
supper. Hearing footsteps, she rose and went to the door.
William entered.
‘Hello, mother!’ He kissed her hastily, then stood aside to
present a tall, handsome girl, who was wearing a costume of
fine black-and-white check, and furs.
‘Here’s Gyp!’
Miss Western held out her hand and showed her teeth in
a small smile.
‘Oh, how do you do, Mrs. Morel!’ she exclaimed.
‘I am afraid you will be hungry,’ said Mrs. Morel.
‘Oh no, we had dinner in the train. Have you got my
gloves, Chubby?’
William Morel, big and raw-boned, looked at her quick-
ly.
‘How should I?’ he said.
‘Then I’ve lost them. Don’t be cross with me.’
A frown went over his face, but he said nothing. She
glanced round the kitchen. It was small and curious to her,
with its glittering kissing-bunch, its evergreens behind the
pictures, its wooden chairs and little deal table. At that mo-
ment Morel came in.
‘Hello, dad!’
‘Hello, my son! Tha’s let on me!’
The two shook hands, and William presented the lady.
She gave the same smile that showed her teeth.
‘How do you do, Mr. Morel?’
Morel bowed obsequiously.

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