`You have the permission of the officers?'

`No - not yet.

`O - how is it? You said you almost had before you left Casterbridge.'

`The fact is, I forgot to ask. Your coming like this is so sudden and unexpected.'

`Yes - yes - it is. It was wrong of me to worry you. I'll go away now. Will you come and see me tomorrow at Mrs Twills's, in North Street? I don't like to come to the Barracks. There are bad women about, and they think me one.'

`Quite so. I'll come to you, my dear. Good-night.'

`Good-night, Frank - good-night!'

And the noise was again heard of a window closing. The little spot moved away. When she passed the corner a subdued exclamation was heard inside the wall.

`Ho - ho - Sergeant - ho - ho!' An expostulation followed, but it was indistinct; and it became lost amid a low peal of laughter, which was hardly distinguishable from the gurgle of the tiny whirlpools outside.