Peter vanished through my bedroom and I was left to receive my guest in a room littered with broken glass and a senseless man in the cupboard.
There are some situations so crazily extravagant that they key up the spirit to meet them.

I was almost laughing when that stately lady stepped over my threshold.
'Madam,' I said, with a bow that shamed my old dressing-gown and strident pyjamas.

'You find me at a disadvantage.

I came home soaking from my ride, and was in the act of changing.

My servant has just upset a tray of crockery, and I fear this room's no fit place for a lady.