One is not very ready to prescribe sleeping draughts for unknown patients, but still, insomnia is a very distressing condition.

In the end, I temporised with a moderate dose of bromide, deciding to call and see if more energetic measures were necessary.
"He had better take a dose of this at once, Miss Oman," said I, as I handed her the bottle, "and I will look in later and see how he is." "I expect he will be glad to see you," she answered, "for he is all alone to-night and very dumpy.

Miss Bellingham is out.

But I must remind you that he's a poor man and pays his way.

You must excuse my mentioning it." "I am much obliged to you for the hint, Miss Oman," I rejoined.