step was trying to keep pace with me. Graciously I slacked my speed,
and the pattering step settled down beside me. Every now and again
she would run ahead and then turn round to look up into my face, much
as your small dog does when he happens not to be misbehaving himself
and desires you to note the fact. Evidently she approved of me. I
was not at my best, as far as appearance was concerned, but women are
kittle cattle, and I think she preferred me so. Thus we walked for
quite a long distance without speaking, I drinking in the tribute of
her worship and enjoying it. Then gaining confidence, she shyly put
her hand into mine, and finding I did not repel her, promptly assumed
possession of me, according to woman's way.

For her age and station she must have been a person of means, for
having tried in vain various methods to make me more acceptable to
followers and such as having passed would turn their heads, she said:

"I know, gelatines;" and disappearing into a sweetstuff shop, returned
with quite a quantity. With these, first sucked till glutinous, we
joined my many tatters. I still attracted attention, but felt warmer.

She informed me that her name was Cissy, and that her father's shop
was in Three Colt Street. I informed her that my name was Paul, and
that my father was a lawyer. I also pointed out to her that a lawyer
is much superior in social position to a shopkeeper, which she
acknowledged cheerfully. We parted at the corner of the Stainsby
Road, and I let her kiss me once. It was understood that in the
Stainsby Road we might meet again.

I left Eliza gaping after me, the front door in her hand, and ran
straight up into my own room. Robinson Crusoe, King Arthur, The Last