Rather to my amaze she said that Mary was out with the landlady when she arrived; and eight--nine o'clock came, and she was absent still.
At ten o'clock returned--not my wife, but Mrs.Stokes, and with her a gentleman, who shook hands with me on coming into the room, and said, "Mr.Titmarsh! I don't know whether you will remember me: my name is Tiptoff.

I have brought you a note from Mrs.Titmarsh, and a message from my wife, who sincerely commiserates your loss, and begs you will not be uneasy at Mrs.Titmarsh's absence.

She has been good enough to promise to pass the night with Lady Tiptoff; and I am sure you will not object to her being away from you, while she is giving happiness to a sick mother and a sick child." After a few more words, my Lord left us.
My wife's note only said that Mrs.Stokes would tell me all..