"The letter said something about the share 'olders, how I had refused to apologise to your brother after treatin' you vile. The Managing Director 'imself came down to see about it. I tried to explain, but they said it was bad for business, so had to let me go." Joe sighed again.

"I understand if yer don't want to see me anymore. An ex-porter's no catch, not even for a girl as modern as ye. Truth be told, I'm thinkin' of joining the navy. You know, get away for a bit."