He cared nothing about the old willow-pattern set usurping the place of the Jawleyford-armed china; but the contents of the dishes were bad, and the wine, if possible, worse.

Most palpable Marsala did duty for sherry, and the corked port was again in requisition.

Jawleyford was no longer the brisk, cheery-hearted Jawleyford of Laverick Wells, but a crusty, fidgety, fire-stirring sort of fellow, desperately given to his _Morning Post_.
Worst of all, when Mr.Sponge retired to his den to smoke a cigar and study his dear cab fares, he was so suffocated with smoke that he was obliged to put out the fire, notwithstanding the weather was cold, indeed inclining to frost.

He lit his cigar notwithstanding; and, as he indulged in it, he ran all the circumstances of his situation through his mind.

His pressing invitation--his magnificent reception--the attention of the ladies--and now the sudden change everything had taken.