In truth, he was almost in safety; but bad luck was now to have its turn.

When Mr.Rassendyll was no more than fifty yards from my door, a carriage suddenly drove up and stopped a few paces in front of him.

The footman sprang down and opened the door.

Two ladies got out; they were dressed in evening costume, and were returning from a ball.

One was middle-aged, the other young and rather pretty.
They stood for a moment on the pavement, the younger saying: "Isn't it pleasant, mother?
I wish I could always be up at five o'clock." "My dear, you wouldn't like it for long," answered the elder.