It was as if idle chatter deadened the sense of misery.
That night he dined at Rector's and returned at once to his office.

In the bustle and show of the latter was his only relief.

He troubled over many little details and talked perfunctorily to everybody.

He stayed at his desk long after all others had gone, and only quitted it when the night watchman on his round pulled at the front door to see if it was safely locked.
On Wednesday he received another polite note from McGregor, James and Hay.

It read: "Dear Sir: We beg to inform you that we are instructed to wait until to-morrow (Thursday) at one o'clock, before filing suit against you, on behalf of Mrs.Julia Hurstwood, for divorce and alimony.