Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. II, 1889.djvu/251

 replied Clem. “Did you think it was a copper?”

Bob looked at her with a surly smile. Though no one could have mistaken the class she belonged to, Clem was dressed in a way which made her companionship with Bob in his workman’s clothing somewhat incongruous; she wore a heavily trimmed brown hat, a long velveteen jacket, and carried a little bag of imitation fur.

“Why ain’t you at work?” she added. “Does Mrs. Pennyloaf Hewett know how you spend your time?”

“Hasn’t your husband taught you to mind your own business?”

Clem took the retort good-humouredly, and they walked on conversing. Not altogether at his ease thus companioned, Bob turned out of the main street, and presently they came within sight of the British Museum.

“Ever been in that place?” Clem asked.

“Of course I have,” he replied, with his air of superiority.