My plan was to run downstairs immediately after dinner every evening and give it a thorough watering.

One thing or another, however, came in the way.

I often remembered about the chrysanthemum while I was in the office; but even Gilray could hardly have expected me to ask leave of absence merely to run home and water his plant.

You must draw the line somewhere, even in a government office.

When I reached home I was tired, inclined to take things easily, and not at all in a proper condition for watering flower-pots.