fs and ways covered with soot…grimed snow under the ghastly fog…pall； and； whilst I lay there in my bed； that woman had been led out and hanged……hanged。 I thought with horror of the possibility that I might sicken and die in that wilderness of houses； nothing above me but 〃a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours。〃 Overe with dread； I rose and bestirred myself。 Blinds drawn； lamp lit； and by a blazing fire； I tried to make believe that it was kindly night。
V
Walking along the road after nightfall； I thought all at once of London streets； and； by a freak of mind； wished I were there。 I saw the shining of shop…fronts； the yellow glistening of a wet pavement； the hurrying people； the cabs； the omnibuses……and I wished I were amid it all。
What did it mean； but that I wished I were young again？ Not seldom I have a sudden vision of a London street； perhaps the dreariest and ugliest； which for a moment gives me a feeling of home…sickness。 Often it is the High Street of Islington； which I have not seen for a quarter of a century； at least； no thoroughfare in all London less attractive to the imagination； one would say； but I see myself walking there……walking with the quick； light step of youth； and there； of course； is the charm。 I see myself； after a long day of work and loneliness； setting forth from my lodging。 For the weather I care nothing； rain； wind； fog……what does it matter！ The fresh air fills my lungs； my blood circles rapidly； I feel my muscles； and have a pleasure in the hardness of the stone I tread upon。 Perhaps I have money in my pocket； I am going to the theatre； and； afterwards； I shall treat myself to supper……sausage and mashed potatoes； with a pint of foaming ale。 The gusto with which I look forward to each and every enjoyment！ At the