Having by temperament considerable caution, but little fear, he waited till he heard another, and then got out of bed.

Taking the poker in his hand, and putting on his spectacles, he hurried to the door.

Many a time and oft in old days had he risen in this fashion to defend the plate of the "Honorable Bateson" and the Dowager Countess of Glengower from the periodical attacks of his imagination.

He stood with his ancient nightgown flapping round his still more ancient legs, slightly shivering; then, pulling the door open, he looked forth.

On the stairs just above him Mrs.Hughs, clasping her baby with one arm, was holding the other out at full length between herself and Hughs.