That afternoon they went shopping in London, and before evening strange packages began to be handed in at the Doctor's door.

The plot was ripe for execution, and one of the conspirators was merry and jubilant, while the other was very nervous and troubled.
When the Doctor came down to the dining-room next morning, he was surprised to find that his daughters had already been up some time.

Ida was installed at one end of the table with a spirit-lamp, a curved glass flask, and several bottles in front of her.

The contents of the flask were boiling furiously, while a villainous smell filled the room.

Clara lounged in an arm-chair with her feet upon a second one, a blue-covered book in her hand, and a huge map of the British Islands spread across her lap.