There were only five, at a round table, and it was very pleasant indeed. They had so many places and people to recall, and they were all so easy and cheerful together (Daniel Doyce either sitting out like an amused spectator at cards, or coming in with some shrewd little experiences of his own, when it happened to be to the purpose), that they might have been together twenty times, and not have known so much of one another.
‘And Miss Wade,’ said Mr Meagles, after they had recalled a number of fellow-travellers. ‘Has anybody seen Miss Wade?’
‘I have,’ said Tattycoram.
She had brought a little mantle which her young mistress had sent for, and was bending over her, putting it on, when she lifted up her dark eyes and made this unexpected answer.
‘Tatty!’ her young mistress exclaimed. ‘You seen Miss Wade?—where?’
‘Here, miss,’ said Tattycoram.
‘How?’
An impatient glance from Tattycoram seemed, as Clennam saw it, to answer ‘With my eyes!’ But her only answer in words was: ‘I met her near the church.’
‘What was she doing there I wonder!’ said Mr Meagles. ‘Not going to it, I should think.’
‘She had written to me first,’ said Tattycoram.