She puzzled her aunt by saying: "But it isn't really like this, is it ?" To which Aunt Anne could only say: "You're hungry and tired, dear, I expect." With one last outrending scream the whole world seemed to fling itself at the window, open because Aunt Anne thought the cab "had a smell." "Oosh--O O S H." "OOSH." ...

Maggie drew back as though she expected some one to leap in upon them.

Then, with that marvellous and ironical gift of contrast that is London's secret, they were suddenly driven into the sleepiest quiet; they stumbled up a street that was like a cave for misty darkness and muffled echoes.

The cab's wheels made a riotous clatter.
A man posting a letter in a pillar-box was the only figure in the street.

The stars shone overhead with wonderful brilliance, and a little bell jangled softly close at hand.