PARTNERSHIP As darkness closed in, and the New Year's throng became scarce, Philip's hesitation about accompanying Coulson faded away.

He was more comfortable respecting Sylvia, and his going to see her might be deferred; and, after all, he felt that the wishes of his masters ought to be attended to, and the honour of an invitation to the private house of Jeremiah not to be slighted for anything short of a positive engagement.

Besides, the ambitious man of business existed strongly in Philip.

It would never do to slight advances towards the second great earthly object in his life; one also on which the first depended.
So when the shop was closed, the two set out down Bridge Street to cross the river to the house of Jeremiah Foster.

They stood a moment on the bridge to breathe the keen fresh sea air after their busy day.