May the Lord prosper a business where a civil question, even from a poor soul, is so civilly answered!' 'I'll not miss ye twice!' repeats the poor soul in the street, and not so civilly.

'I lost ye last, where that omnibus you got into nigh your journey's end plied betwixt the station and the place.

I wasn't so much as certain that you even went right on to the place.

Now I know ye did.
My gentleman from Cloisterham, I'll be there before ye, and bide your coming.

I've swore my oath that I'll not miss ye twice!' Accordingly, that same evening the poor soul stands in Cloisterham High Street, looking at the many quaint gables of the Nuns' House, and getting through the time as she best can until nine o'clock; at which hour she has reason to suppose that the arriving omnibus passengers may have some interest for her.