She thanked him, but felt that if she had ground to fear resentment, it was not Mossup’s but his.  Wilkinson had manners, but she knew he did not like to be robbed of an easy victim, and it was possible that he had let Bob win until he was drunk enough to be fleeced.  She waited a few moments to let the others go, and then went upstairs and stopped in a passage that led to her room.  Her face was hot and she breathed fast, for her part in the scene had cost her something.  It would have been different had Charnock not been there; she could have dealt with the others, but he had made her ashamed.  Then she heard his step and turned with passionate anger as he came along the passage.  He stopped and looked at her with drunken admiration.

“By George, you’re a fine thing, Sadie!  Handsomest and pluckiest woman in the township!”

Sadie said nothing, but her pose stiffened and her lips set tight.

“Look your best when you’re angry,” Charnock went on.  “Not quite so ’tractive, too pale and want animation, when you’re calm.”

She did not answer, but felt a quiver of repulsion.  His voice was thick, his eyes had a stupid amorous look, and he smelt of whisky.  Sadie was not remarkably fastidious; she had, for several years, managed a hotel, and had used her physical charm to attract the man, but she was jarred.  As yet, she made no appeal to the better side of Bob’s nature, if it had a better side, and his sensual admiration revolted her.

Charnock felt puzzled and somewhat daunted, but tried to put his arm round her waist.  Sadie seized his shoulders and pushed him violently back.

“Don’t you touch me, you drunken hog!” she said.

He gazed at her in dull surprise and then braced himself.  Sadie had moods, but generally came round if he made love to her.  Besides, although she was in one of her rages, her attitude was irresistibly inciting.

“I’m your husband anyhow.  Now don’t be a silly little fool——­”

She drew back as he advanced and picked up a mop.  It was used for polishing board floors and had a long handle.

“You’re my husband when you’re sober; I didn’t marry a whisky-tank.  If you touch me, Bob, I’ll knock you down!”

Charnock stopped.  When Sadie spoke like that she meant what she said.  She looked at him steadily for a moment or two, and then put down the mop and turned away.  He durst not follow, and when she entered a room close by, he shrugged with half-bewildered resignation and stumbled off.

Sadie, leaning with labored breath against the rail of her bed, heard him fall down the three or four steps in the middle of the passage and afterwards get up and go on again.  Then she laughed, a strained, hysterical laugh.

CHAPTER XII

THE SACRIFICE