I would myself call later on in the day for an answer.

"All right," replied "Scissors," and busied himself again with his papers.


It seemed to me that he treated the matter somewhat too coolly; but I said
nothing, only nodded rather carelessly to him, and left.

I had now time on hand! If it would only clear up! It was perfectly
wretched weather, without either wind or freshness. Ladies carried their
umbrellas, to be on the safe side, and the woollen caps of the men looked
limp and depressing.

I took another turn across the market and looked at the vegetables and
roses. I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn round--"Missy" bids me good
morning! "Good-morning!" I say in return, a little questioningly. I never
cared particularly for "Missy."

He looks inquisitively at the large brand-new parcel under my arm, and
asks:

"What have you got there?"

"Oh, I have been down to Semb and got some cloth for a suit," I reply, in
a careless tone. "I didn't think I could rub on any longer; there's such a
thing as treating oneself too shabbily."

He looks at me with an amazed start.

"By the way, how are you getting on?" He asks it slowly.