A little farther on, John Jacks advanced to him with cordial welcome.
"So glad you could come.

By the bye"-- he lowered his voice--"if you have any trouble about trains back to Ewell, do let us put you up for the night.

Just stay or not, as you like.

Delighted if you do." Piers replied that he was staying at his brother's.

Whereupon John Jacks became suddenly thoughtful, said, "Ah, I see," and with a pleasant smile turned to someone else.