Did he act well?
When had he acted?
Where had he acted?
Sir George interrupted the torrent of interrogation.
"Do you think he would come ?" he asked.
"I am almost sure he would," I said; "he is a great friend of mine." "It would be an exceedingly good-natured and friendly act," said Sir George.

"Charles--no, I mean Ralph--bring a telegraph form, and if you will write a telegram at once, Middleton, I will send it to the station directly.

We shall have an answer by twelve o'clock, and until then we will not give up all hope, though of course we must not count on your friend being able to come at such short notice." The telegram was written and despatched, Carr having given me an address where letters would find him, though he said he did not put up there.

I sincerely hoped he would not be out of the way on this occasion, and I was not a little pleased when, a few hours later, I received a telegram in reply saying that he could come, and should arrive by the afternoon train which had brought me the day before.
The spirits of the whole party revived.

I (as is often the case) was in high favor with all.