But it was too late; so I hurried on, eager to know the best or the worst which I could learn.
The brass-plate bearing my friend's name and designation was still on the door, and when it was opened the old domestic appeared a good deal older, I thought, than he ought naturally to have looked, considering the period of my absence.

"Is Mr.Sommerville at home ?" said I, pressing forward.
"Yes, sir," said John, placing himself in opposition to my entrance, "he is at home, but--" "But he is not in," said I."I remember your phrase of old, John.

Come, I will step into his room, and leave a line for him." John was obviously embarrassed by my familiarity.

I was some one, he saw, whom he ought to recollect.

At the same time it was evident he remembered nothing about me.
"Ay, sir, my master is in, and in his own room, but--" I would not hear him out, but passed before him towards the well-known apartment.