Another time I was actually on the stair rushing to Gilray's door, when I met the housekeeper, and, stopping to talk to her, lost my opportunity again.

To show how honestly anxious I was to fulfil my promise, I need only add that I was several times awakened in the watches of the night by a haunting consciousness that I had forgotten to water Gilray's flower-pot.

On these occasions I spared no trouble to remember again in the morning.

I reached out of bed to a chair and turned it upside down, so that the sight of it when I rose might remind me that I had something to do.

With the same object I crossed the tongs and poker on the floor.