The Mystery of Edwin Drood (80 page)

 

  The service comes to an end, and the
servitors disperse to breakfast. Mr. Datchery accosts his last new acquaintance
outside, when the Choir (as much in a hurry to get their bedgowns off, as they
were but now to get them on) have scuffled away.

 

  “Well, mistress. Good morning. You have
seen him?”

 

  “I'VE seen him, deary; I'VE seen him!”

 

  “And you know him?”

 

  “Know him! Better far than all the Reverend
Parsons put together know him.”

 

  Mrs. Tope's care has spread a very neat,
clean breakfast ready for her lodger. Before sitting down to it, he opens his
cornercupboard door; takes his bit of chalk from its shelf; adds one thick line
to the score, extending from the top of the cupboard door to the bottom; and
then falls to with an appetite.

 

   

 

  […]