He had felt no inclination to drown his cares in drink
during the evening, but on the contrary he had gone for a brisk walk in
Beacon Street, and had ascertained by actual observation, and the
assistance of a box of matches, the precise position of No. 936. This had
occupied some time, as it is a peculiarity of Boston to put the number of
the houses on the back instead of the front, so that the only certain
course to follow in searching for a friend, is to reach the rear of his
house by a circuitous route through side streets and back alleys, and
then, having fixed the exact position of his residence by astronomical
observation, to return to the front and inquire for him. It is true that
even then one is frequently mistaken, but there is nothing else to be
done.
It was perhaps not extraordinary that Ronald should be at some pains to
find out where Mrs. Wyndham lived, for Sybil was the only person besides
Joe and Miss Schenectady whom he had yet met, and he wanted company, for
he hated and dreaded solitude with his whole heart.
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