Answer from without, as before, “No, sir, you've let down the latch. If you pull the string, I can come in.”
Nuisance. Out of bed again. Pull up latch-string. Into bed again. Less warm now.
Yourself (or myself, severely, from bed).—“You didn't call me this morning. And where are my things?”
Valet.—“They've been standing houtside, sir, this 'our and a 'arf. I knocked twice, sir, but the latch was down, and so I couldn't get in. 'Ot water, sir, 's cold as hice. Better bring you some fresh.”
[Exit.
There's still an entr'acte between his bringing the hot water and my getting up.
Happy Thought.—Well, I dare say it's all the better for me that I've overslept myself a little this morning. If Nature sleeps, depend upon it Nature knows what she's about.
*****
This is in fact how it has happened that all the others, except the three mentioned, are out of doors. They've breakfasted hours ago. I haven't.