“Certainly, Mr. Headstone. Going for an evening walk, sir?”

“Partly for a walk, and partly for⁠—on business.”

“Business in Church Street, Smith Square, by Mill Bank,” repeated Miss Peecher to herself.

“Having said which,” pursued Bradley, laying his door-key on the table, “I must be already going. There is nothing I can do for you, Miss Peecher?”

“Thank you, Mr. Headstone. In which direction?”

“In the direction of Westminster.”

“Mill Bank,” Miss Peecher repeated in her own thoughts once again. “No, thank you, Mr. Headstone; I’ll not trouble you.”