I saw the door move, and the snow drift in. I saw it move a little more, and a hand softly interpose to keep it open.

“I found out an English gen’leman as was in authority,” said Mr. Peggotty, “and told him I was a-going to seek my niece. He got me them papers as I wanted fur to carry me through⁠—I doen’t rightly know how they’re called⁠—and he would have give me money, but that I was thankful to have no need on. I thank him kind, for all he done, I’m sure! ‘I’ve wrote afore you,’ he says to me, ‘and I shall speak to many as will come that way, and many will know you, fur distant from here, when you’re a-travelling alone.’ I told him, best as I was able, what my gratitoode was, and went away through France.”

“Alone, and on foot?” said I.