He decided to celebrate his holiday by taking a walk; his destination being the central telegraph office in London.
But, before he left the house, his domestic duties claimed attention.

He issued his orders to the cook.
At three o'clock he would return to dinner.

That day was to witness the celebration of his first regular meat for forty-eight hours past; and he expected the strictest punctuality.

The cook--lately engaged--was a vigourous little woman, with fiery hair and a high colour.

She, like the man-servant, felt the genial influence of her master's amiability.