That could not be helped.

The case seemed to be urgent, and he must beg for indulgence.
He had an appointment with Polly for six o'clock this evening.

In the excitement of decisive action (it being the last day of the year) she would probably overlook this small matter.
He found Mrs.Clover in the shop.

She reddened at sight of him, and after a hurried greeting asked him to step into the parlour, where she carefully closed the door.
"Mr.Gammon, have you heard anything about my husband ?" The question disconcerted him; he tried ineffectually to shape a denial.
"You have, I can see you have! It doesn't matter.

I don't want you to tell me anything.