I was to call for a letter at a place in the city.

I was in time to catch the night boat, and when I got his letter it told me dreadful things.
Something has happened which compelled him to leave England at once.

He could do nothing, make no arrangements.

Mother, he said, had a little money; we must sell everything and manage to live somewhere for a little; he would try to send us what he could.

Then I went home.