Pursuing the narrow intricacies of the streets which at that time tended westward near the Middlesex shore of the river, my readiest access to the Temple was close by the river-side, through Whitefriars.

I was not expected till to-morrow; but I had my keys, and, if Herbert were gone to bed, could get to bed myself without disturbing him.
As it seldom happened that I came in at that Whitefriars gate after the Temple was closed, and as I was very muddy and weary, I did not take it ill that the night-porter examined me with much attention as he held the gate a little way open for me to pass in.

To help his memory I mentioned my name.
"I was not quite sure, sir, but I thought so.

Here's a note, sir.

The messenger that brought it, said would you be so good as read it by my lantern ?" Much surprised by the request, I took the note.