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"Heaven knows we don't," returned Miss Pross, "but have no fear

for me. Take me in at the cathedral, at Three o'Clock, or as near

it as you can, and I am sure it will be better than our going

from here. I feel certain of it. There! Bless you, Mr. Cruncher!

Think-not of me, but of the lives that may depend on both of us!"

This exordium, and Miss Pross's two hands in quite agonised

entreaty clasping his, decided Mr. Cruncher. With an encouraging

nod or two, he immediately went out to alter the arrangements,

and left her by herself to follow as she had proposed.

The having originated a precaution which was already in course of

execution, was a great relief to Miss Pross. The necessity of

composing her appearance so that it should attract no special

notice in the streets, was another relief. She looked at her

watch, and it was twenty minutes past two. She had no time to

lose, but must get ready at once.