She has gained her end, and will put me off with excuses." But perhaps a telegram would come.

He made a pretence of breakfasting, and paced his room for an hour like a caged animal.

When the monotony of circulating movement had all but stupefied him, he was awakened by a double postman's knock at the front door, the signal that announces a telegram.
Again from Patty, and again a request that he would come to the shop at mid-day.
"Just as I foresaw--excuses--postponement.

What woman ever had the sense of honour!" To get through the morning he drank--an occupation suggested by the heat of the day, which blazed cloudless.

The liquor did not cheer him, but inspired a sullen courage, a reckless resolve.