Benn.—Yes, like Benn. I knew as soon as I met 'im that first day last September—we was both applying for the sime job, I mind—I knew 'e was a gentleman. Or somewhere near it.
Mrs. Benn (seating herself at the table).—Well, 'e'll not spunge on me no more. Not if I know it. It's bad enough to 'ave one man to keep, and 'im fit for nothink much but to be a father.
Benn (reproachfully).—Lizzie, we've only two kids.
Mrs. Benn.—What about the three that didn't live in between times, what with me wearin' myself out with charin' and all?
Benn (also seating himself and looking very small).—Oh, well, accidents will 'appen in the best regulited families.
Mrs. Benn.—Accidents? Accidents? I call them calamerties.
(They eat in gloomy silence for a space except that Mrs. Benn ejacu-
