Good night, Mrs.
Bubb." He ran up to his room, laughed a good deal as he undressed, and was asleep five minutes afterwards.

Before closing his eyes he said to himself that he must rise at seven; business claimed him tomorrow, and he felt it necessary to see Mrs.Clover (or Lady Polperro) with the least possible delay.

However tired, Gammon could always wake at the hour he appointed.

The dark, snowy morning found him little disposed to turn out; he had something of a headache, and a very bad taste in the mouth; for all that he faced duty with his accustomed vigour.

Of course he had to leave the house without breakfast, but a cup of tea at the nearest eating-house supplied his immediate wants, and straightway he betook himself to the china shop near Battersea Park Road.
That was not a pleasant meeting with his friend Mrs.Clover.