piece of bread and butter. Then he offered her another piece.

“I don’t want it just now,” she said.

“You’ll have to eat summat,” he said.

“I couldn’t eat any more just now.”

He put the piece down undecidedly on the box. Then there was another long pause. He stood up with bent head. The bicycle, like a restful animal, glittered behind him, turning towards the wall. The woman sat hunched on the hay, shivering.

“Can’t you get warm?” he asked.

“I shall by an’ by — don’t you bother. I’m taking your seat — are you stopping here all night?”