this lies on my way, ma'am ...

and ..." "Yes! yes!" she said impatiently, "but you have some news, of course ?" "News! ...

news!" he muttered apologetically, and clutching at his collar, which seemed to be choking him, "what news--er--I pray you, ma'am ?" "That clew ?" she insisted.
"It was very slight," he stammered.
"And it led to naught ?" "Alas!" Her eagerness vanished.

She sank back into her chair and moaned.
"My last hope!" she said dully.
"Nay! nay!" rejoined Master Skyffington quite cheerfully, his courage seemingly having risen with her despair.

"We must not be despondent.