In the rear of the shop a little room offered seats and tables, and here, Godwin knew, Earwaker would be found.
'Let us go up-stairs,' he said, leading to a side entrance.

'There's a quieter room.' 'Right you are!' The uncle--his name was Andrew Peak--paused to make a survey of the premises.

When he entered, his scrutiny of the establishment was close, and he seemed to reflect with interest upon all he saw.

The upper room was empty; a long table exhibited knives and forks, but there were no signs of active business.

Andrew pulled a bell-rope; the summons was answered by an asthmatic woman, who received an order for tea, toast, 'watercreases', and sundry other constituents of a modest meal.
'Come 'ere often, Godwin ?' inquired Andrew, as he stood by the window and mused.
'Now and then, for a bun.' 'Much custom from your show over the wye ?' 'Not so much as a better place would have.' 'Young gents don't live at the Collige, they tell me ?' 'No, there's no residence.' 'So naturally they want a plyce where they can 'ev a nibble, somewheres 'andy ?' 'Yes.