The ways o' Providence ARE mysterious--onnecessarily mysterious to my thinkin'." And he shook his head at the evening star, as if he was not quite pleased with it.
With a feeling of considerable satisfaction, Joseph approached the Bungalow at Loango three days later.

The short sea voyage had somewhat revived Meredith, who had been desirous of walking up from the beach, but after a short attempt had been compelled to enter the spring cart which Joseph had secured.
Joseph walked by the side of this cart with an erect carriage, and a suppressed importance suggestive of ambulance duty in the old days.
As the somewhat melancholy cortege approached the house, Meredith drew back the dusky brown holland curtain and looked anxiously out.

Nor were Joseph's eyes devoid of expectation.

He thought that Jocelyn would presently emerge from the flower-hung trellis of the verandah; and he had rehearsed over and over again a neat, respectful speech, explanatory of his action in bringing a sick man to the house.
But the hanging fronds of flowers and leaf remained motionless, and the cart drove, unchallenged, round to the principal door.
A black servant--a stranger--held the handle, and stood back invitingly.
Supported by Joseph's arm, Jack Meredith entered.

The servant threw open the drawing-room door; they passed in.