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salutation: ‘Madame Vastra’.
    ‘He was writing to me,’ she explained, seeingwhere the Doctor was looking. ‘In a state of agitation, according to Carlisle. I did know Hapworth, though more in the nature of an acquaintance than as a friend. He was a man of learning, and his knowledge has proved useful in the past.’
    ‘Jenny said you knew him.’
    Vastra nodded. ‘You have seen Jenny. That explains how you come to be here. You were at the Frost Fair?’
    ‘The Carnival of Curiosities.’ He picked up the cardboard ticket from beside the blotter. ‘And this is the only clue you have found that might explain where he had been or what had upset him?’
    ‘That and the three small birds.’
    The Doctor frowned, his eyebrows knitting together. ‘Birds? What birds?’
    ‘Oh not real birds.’ Vastra turned from the bookcase. ‘They are made from paper, folded into the shape of a bird. Three of them. Rather stylised, quite clever.’
    ‘Origami, you mean?’
    ‘Do I?’
    ‘Japanese for “folded paper”, though thinking about it the word won’t be used much around here for another sixty years yet.’ He lifted the blotter to look underneath, then moved the wooden rack containing paper and envelopes. ‘So where are these origami birds?’
    Vastra walked over to join him. ‘That’s strange,’ shesaid, looking down at the desk. ‘They were just there, beside the carnival ticket. I wonder where they went.’
    The Doctor shrugged. ‘Probably not important.’ He smiled. ‘It’s good to see you again, Vastra. And don’t worry about the birds. They must be around somewhere. They can’t have flown away.’

Chapter
5
    There was still no sign of Jenny when Clara and Oswald had finished their second pot of tea. Oswald consulted a pocket watch and apologised that he would have to be leaving.
    ‘Thank you for allowing me to share your table,’ he said as he stood up.
    ‘No problem,’ Clara told him. ‘Thanks for the company.’ She watched Oswald as he navigated his way towards the exit, smiling politely as he passed people and standing aside to allow others to get past. He really was very pleasant company, she thought.
    Oswald had almost reached the way out when he stopped. Another man had just come in, and was approaching Oswald rapidly. They evidently knew each other, and after exchanging a few words, Oswald turned and nodded towards Clara. Perhaps the man was his employer – he looked like a ‘gentleman of means’. She hoped she hadn’t got Oswald into trouble by distracting him for too long.
    The two of them – Oswald, together with the other man – were heading back through the tent towards Clara. As he approached, she could make out details of the man’s appearance. He was perhaps 40, with receding dark hair and a short beard. A slight man, wearing a dark overcoat and carrying a silver-topped cane, which he raised in greeting as he arrived at the table.
    ‘Forgive me, Clara,’ Oswald said, ‘but I just had to introduce you to my employer, Mr Milton.’
    ‘I haven’t got you into trouble, have I?’ Clara asked quickly.
    ‘Good gracious me, no,’ Milton replied. His voice was slightly nasal and drawn out tight. ‘When Oswald told me he’d been taking tea with a delightful young lady, also of the name of Oswald albeit her surname, I simply had to introduce myself. Orestes Milton, at your service, Miss Oswald.’
    Clara felt her face colour slightly as Milton bowed his head and extended his hand. She shook it politely. ‘Delighted to meet you, Mr Milton.’
    Oswald excused himself, and headed off again.
    ‘He’s a good man,’ Milton said, watching him go.
    ‘He tutors your children, I gather,’ Clara said.
    ‘Ah, no. Now there you are incorrect.’ Milton made a show of consulting his own watch. ‘I must be getting along in a minute, but if I may sit for just a moment?’
    ‘Please.’
    ‘Thank you.’ Milton seated himself across the small table from Clara. ‘I am his employer,