All dialogues apart from John's appear in italics.
These Wednesday sojourns to see her sustained me through the rest of the week. Although, working in the pub was not as bad as I had feared especially given my drinking problems. Nevertheless being on my feet all day and making conversation with strangers, when all I wanted was to be shut in my room with my thoughts of her, was a bit trying. I had long days from noon till midnight and was grateful to get a few hours away from the pub at tea time everyday, when I would go to my rooms nearby to rest my feet, close my eyes and dream about her.
When I approached my rooms, I could see my landlady waiting for me looking somewhat excited and flustered. She was a harmless and kind soul and she did try to fuss over me from time to time. 'What is it, Mrs. Hudson? Is something the matter?'.
'You have a visitor, Mr Bates, Mrs. Bates has come to see you. I have seated her in your rooms.' She looked at me expectantly.
I had not mentioned much about Vera to her, suffice to say that things were estranged between us so that she would not question my being there on my own. My heart sank, I did not want to see Vera, much less listen to her threats. I had tried to give it a go with her, but I could not bear to be in the same house, much less the same room as her. She had probably come to extract some more money from me or try to get me back to London where she could torment me at length. But it was a futile exercise. If anything, these past few months had confirmed to me that even though I did not have Anna, I could never be with Vera. I steeled myself for the upcoming ordeal and made my way up as Mrs. Hudson offered, 'I will bring some tea up'. I would gladly have offered no hospitality to her but reckoned it would be a good precursor to concluding this meeting sending her on her way.
With a heavy heart, I climbed up the stairs and opened the doors to my room, which were ajar. 'What do you want now? I have no money for you anymore.'' I said as I deposited my cane and turned into the room. I was shocked to see Anna sitting at my table. She looked at me sternly, 'Why have you been sneaking up on me Mr. Bates? '