That took Anne by surprise. She stood there helplessly for a moment, watching the woman who had seemed so strong break down in tears. Then she sat down beside her and hugged her. "Oh, Mrs. Blacke. Don't worry. I'm certain Joe will come back. He wouldn't do owt ta 'urt ye. Our Simon used to stay out all night, but 'e always came back..." Then she suddenly remembered that comparing Joe to a convicted and hanged murderer was not very comforting. "Not that Joe is at all like 'im."