Joe's accusation of an unloving home wounded Lottie deeply. It was only days ago, she had vainly tried to provide Anne Ward - in this very room - with the very love he said was missing. She was insensed, she wanted to batter him.

"If ye are married," she began pushing past all of them and scurrying upstairs to his room. There were clattering noises and the sound of drawers being opened "then you can't stay here. I wouldn't allow it"

Her arms full of clothes, she dashed into her room. There was a new sound, the upstairs window opening.

"Because." Out flung a pair of trousers. "I would hate to not provide..." Shirt and a jacket followed. A flurry of underwear "a lovin' home!" A shoe was hurled at the cobbles. A window slammed closed. A suitcase was thrown down the stairs.