Her way was towards the railway station, but the driver of a cab chancing to attract her notice, she accepted the man's offer, and bade him drive to Lavender Hill.
On the first opportunity Widdowson took like refuge from the rain, and was driven in the same direction.

He alighted not far from Mrs.
Conisbee's house.

That Monica had come hither he felt no doubt, but he would presently make sure of it.

As it still rained he sought shelter in a public-house, where he quenched a painful thirst, and then satisfied his hunger with such primitive foods as a licensed victualler is disposed to vend.

It was nearing eleven o'clock, and he had neither eaten nor drunk since luncheon.
After that he walked to Mrs.Conisbee's, and knocked at the door.