What was a bad time for Mr. Dolls, could not fail to be a bad time for the dolls’ dressmaker. However, she was on the alert next morning, and drove to Bond Street, and set down the two ladies punctually, and then directed her equipage to conduct her to the Albany. Arrived at the doorway of the house in which Mr. Fledgeby’s chambers were, she found a lady standing there in a travelling dress, holding in her hand⁠—of all things in the world⁠—a gentleman’s hat.

“You want someone?” said the lady in a stern manner.

“I am going upstairs to Mr. Fledgeby’s.”