By degrees white figures with shady hats came in at the door, admitting a wedge of the hot summer day, and shutting it out again.

After resting in the dimness for a minute, they went upstairs.

Simultaneously, the clock wheezed one, and the gong sounded, beginning softly, working itself into a frenzy, and ceasing.

There was a pause.

Then all those who had gone upstairs came down; cripples came, planting both feet on the same step lest they should slip; prim little girls came, holding the nurse's finger; fat old men came still buttoning waistcoats.