Tobias led them inside and although he would usually sit in a corner in the back, from where he could overlook the room while being left alone, he now picked a table in the front, near the door. He was aware that he was a stranger and they were two homeless children who had probably seen more of the world than they should have. He did not want to spook them.

If the children looked different, that was nothing compared to the difference in their personalities, as became more and more apparent. The girl talked too much and out of place, whereas the boy rather seemed to suffer from the opposite flaw; he seemed to have trouble speaking up clearly even when he was supposed to speak. What an odd pair.

"Tobias Appleton," he replied to the girl. "And aye, I did go see 'im. He just affirmed that 'e paid for yer hotel and explained yer situation." He had also expressed concern about the boy being corrupted if he should hang around bad company, but Tobias kept that to himself.

Just then, a waitress approached, and Tobias ordered three steak pies with vegetables, two teas and a lemonade for the girl.

When she had gone, he turned to Edmund. "Now, what would ye 'ave done about yer sister if t' priest hadn't told me, eh? Would ye just 'ave left 'er 'ere by 'erself?"