Overview: Silas takes Ned to decorate the Railway Hotel and is appalled to find that the landlord, once a jolly man, has become a dour, strict tee-totaller, refusing to serve alcohol to his guests. Queenie, his put-upon wife, takes her share of the profits from the hotel safe, using them to have a happy, platonic day at the sea-side with Silas. On her return she vows that changes will be made, starting with the sale of alcohol.