In his dilemma he did at last go to Bolton Street, and there found that Lady Ongar had left town for three or four days.  The servant said that she had gone, he believed, to the Isle of Wight; and that Madam Gordeloup had gone with her.  She was to be back in town early in the following week.  This was on a Thursday, and he was aware that he could not postpone his interview with Burton till after Julia’s return.  So he went to his club, and nailing himself as it were to the writing-table, made an appointment for the following morning.  He would be with Burton at the Adelphi at twelve o’clock.  He had been in trouble, he said, and that trouble had kept him from the office and from Onslow Crescent.  Having written this, he sent it off, and then played billiards, and smoked, and dined, played more billiards, and smoked and drank till the usual hours of the night had come.  He was not a man who liked such things.  He had not become what he was by passing his earlier years after this fashion.  But his misery required excitement, and, billiards, with tobacco, were better than the desolation of solitude.

On the following morning he did not breakfast till near eleven.  Why should he get up as long as it was possible to obtain the relief which was to be had from dozing?  As far as possible he would not think of the matter till he had put his hat upon his head to go to The Adelphi.  But the time for taking his hat soon came, and he started on his short journey.  But even as he walked, he could not think of it.  He was purposeless, as a ship without a rudder, telling himself that he could only go as the winds might direct him.  How he did hate himself for his one weakness!  And yet he hardly made an effort to overcome it.  On one point only did he seem to have a resolve.  If Burton attempted to use with him anything like a threat, he would instantly resent it.

Punctually at twelve he walked into the outer office, and was told that Mr. Burton was in his room.

“Halloa, Clavering,” said Walliker, who was standing with his back to the fire, “I thought we had lost you for good and all.  And here you are come back again!”

Harry had always disliked this man, and now hated him worse than ever.  “Yes; I am here,” said he, “for a few minutes; but I believe I need not trouble you.”

“All right, old fellow,” said Walliker; and then Harry passed through into the inner room.

“I am very glad to see you, Harry,” said Burton, rising, and giving his hand cordially to Clavering.  “And I am sorry to hear that you have been in trouble.  Is it anything in which we can help you?”

“I hope—­Mrs. Burton is well,” said Harry, hesitating.

“Pretty well.”

“And the children?”

“Quite well.  They say you are a very bad fellow not to go and see them.”

“I believe I am a bad fellow,” said Harry.

“Sit down, Harry.  It will be best to come at the point at once; will it not?  Is there anything wrong between you and Florence?”