I could not stop in.

I determined to go and call on my old friend Miss Pimpernell, and see what she could do to cheer me up.
"My dear boy," she said, as I entered the parlour, where she sat darning the vicar's socks by the light of a moderator lamp, which stood on a little table close beside her.

"My dear boy, what is the matter with you?
You look quite haggard, and like a wild man from the woods! Have you had your tea yet?
I can ring for some in a moment." "No, pray don't, thank you," I answered.

"Miss Pimpernell," I continued, in a determined voice, "I have had tea enough to-night to last me for a twelvemonth! I can't bear this any longer.

You must introduce me to Mrs Clyde.