To the casual eye there showed but a succession of over-laden animals urged to the utmost speed; the national predilection exhibiting itself crudely in this locality.

Towards nightfall the pleasure-seekers returned, driving with the heightened energy attributable to Bacchic inspiration, singing, shouting, exchanging racy banter with pedestrians.

So the hours dragged wearily on, wheezed out, one after one, by the clock on the stairs.

Hood was at no time fertile in topics of conversation; to-day he maintained almost unbroken silence.

Tea was prepared, partaken of, removed; supper, three hours later.