How I wished I were safe on the other side of that awful Thursday! The day came at last, and I hurried home as hard as I could after business to make my final preparations.

The eel-pie was arriving as I got there, and my heart was comforted by the sight.

Something, at least, was ready.

But my joy was short-lived, for Mrs Nash was in a temper.

The fact is, I had unconsciously neglected a piece of advice of hers in the matter of this very eel-pie.