"He set out from Jefferson City on October the fourth, and arrived
in London on the seventeenth. He had been ill during the whole of
the voyage, and he reached the furnished house he had hired in
Bayswater somewhat of a wreck. A couple of days in bed, however,
pulled him round, and on the Wednesday evening he announced his
intention of going into the City the next day to see to his
affairs.
"On the Thursday morning he awoke at one o'clock. His wife told
him she had not disturbed him, thinking the sleep would do him
good. He admitted that perhaps it had. Anyhow, he felt very well,
and he got up and dressed himself. He said he did not like the
idea of beginning his first day by neglecting a religious duty, and
his wife agreeing with him, they assembled the servants and the
children in the dining-room, and had family prayer at half-past
one. After which he breakfasted and set off, reaching the City
about three.
"His reputation for punctuality had preceded him, and surprise was
everywhere expressed at his late arrival. He explained the
circumstances, however, and made his appointments for the following
day to commence from nine-thirty.
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