The child took him by the hand, and they trod lightly down the stairs, trembling whenever a board creaked, and often stopping to listen.
At last they reached the passage on the ground floor, where the snoring of Quilp sounded more terrible in their ears than the roaring of lions.
They opened the door without noise, and passing into the street, stood still.
"Which way?" said the child.
The old man looked first at her, then to the right and left, then at her again, and shook his head. It was plain that she was now his guide. The child knew it, and putting her hand in his, led him gently away.
It was the beginning of a day in June, the deep blue sky unbroken by a cloud, and full of brilliant light. The streets were, as yet, almost empty. The houses and shops were closed, and the sweet air of morning fell like breath from angels on the sleeping town.
Forth from the city, while it yet slept, went the two poor wanderers, they knew not whither.
Chapter III.
IN THE OPEN COUNTRY.
The two pilgrims, often pressing each other's hands, or looking at each other with a smile, went on their way in silence. After walking a long, long way they left the city behind, and came in sight of fields, tiny cottages, and large mansions with lawns and porters' lodges.