“It isn’t the same voice and it isn’t the same face,” said the old woman; “but if I’d only got a broomhandle handy——­”

Mr. Davis made an odd noise in his throat.

“If you hadn’t been so down on your luck,” said his wife, blinking her eyes rapidly, “I’d have let you go.  If you hadn’t looked ’so miserable I could have stood it.  If I take you back, are you going to behave yourself?”

Mr. Davis stood gaping at her.

“If I take you back again,” repeated his wife, speaking very slowly, “are you going to behave yourself?”

“Yes,” said Mr. Davis, finding his voice at last.  “Yes, if you are.”