BEAUTY, PURITY, AND PEACE I now proposed to wheel my way in one long stretch to Walford.

I took no interest in rest or in refreshment.

Simply to feel that I had done with this cycle of Cathay would be to me rest, refreshment, and, perhaps, the beginning of peace.
The sun was high in the heavens, and its rays were hot, but still I kept steadily on until I saw a female figure by the road-side waving a handkerchief.

I had not yet reached her, but she had stopped, was looking at me, and was waving energetically.

I could not be mistaken.
I turned and wheeled up in front of her.