W. Pett Ridge

“ They usually strolled out towards Park Street first, where Caroline taught the ground-floor baby to simulate great terror at the violet lamp over the police-station, and it was this part of the stroll that brought perturbation, because matrons of East Street came hurriedly to their doors, exchanging caustic remarks in voices that were intended to reach Caroline's hot little ears. ”

“ It was in consequence of Alfred's inability to refrain from the sport of chipping that the first serious disturbance occurred at Barraclough's works. A good chipper selects his butt with care; it is annoying to find shafts of satire returned upon one, and those who can themselves play the game are therefore safe. Perhaps the most admirable target of all was the foreman who in white waistcoat had been the active man at the beanfeast. ”

“ By this time it seemed clear to her that everything in the spotless rooms had become covered with thick dust; that the correct, impeccable furniture had, through sheer inattention on her part, gone to rack and ruin. ”

“ Mr. Ladd became also full of indignation at this unwarrantable interference with the rights of property. Miss Ladd's annoyance went on hearing Alfred's voice, and she listened to him with quiet admiration. At about eight Alfred left for home.
Miss Ladd went out immediately afterwards on the excuse of getting something hot for supper, and, following him along to Creek Road in the fog, saw him eventually enter the house at Exmouth Terrace. On the blind upstairs she saw two shadows kissing each other. From a doorway the red head of Detective Dowton watched and listened. ”

“ Ladd, 'is simply this.' He slouched along by Alfred's side, puffing at a cigar which had half unrolled its leaves. 'Everybody in this world must 'ave a 'obby. There's no reason on earth why, bein' as you say in respectable employ, you shouldn't work the two together and have your bit of excitement or whatever you like to call it, and make money by it, so that presently you could take a 'ole 'ouse and furnish it swellish.'
'There's the risk!'
'Risk?' echoed Mr. Ladd. ”

“ From where we live you would be able to see the river only for two or three roes of houses and a boat-house. A stone's throw off is the Painted Gallery and the Seamen's Hospital and the Colige and I go there sometimes in the afternoon and take my neighbore's baby. My neighbore is a very well-bred lady ”