On the stairs he passed two ladies, who, as he learnt in a moment by the sound of their knock above, were making a call upon the invalid.

In the street stood their carriage.

He watched it for some time from the other side of the way until the ladies came forth again.
It would have soothed Gammon's mind could he have known that they were Lord Polperro's sister and his niece.
Just as the brief daylight was flickering out (the air had begun to nip with a threat of frost) he once more presented himself at Lowndes Mansions.

In the meantime he had seen Polly Sparkes, informed her of what was happening, and received her promise that she would take no step until he could communicate with her again.

This interview revived his spirits; he felt equal to another effort such as that of the morning--which had taxed him more than the hardest day's work he was ever called upon to do.
Lord Polperro again sat by the fireside with a decanter and glass within his reach.