noon
There was probably to be no division that night , as happened , but even Mr. Carteret 's aberrations were parliamentary . Before Nick withdrew he had been able to assure him he was rapidly getting better and that such valuable hours , the young man 's own , must n't be wasted . `` Come back on Friday if they come to the second reading . '' These were the words with which Nick was dismissed , and at noon the doctor said the invalid was doing very well , but that Nick had better leave him quiet for that day . Our young man accordingly determined to go up to town for the night , and even , should he receive no summons , for the next day . He arranged with Chayter that he should be telegraphed to if Mr. Carteret were either better or worse . `` Oh he ca n't very well be worse , sir , '' Chayter replied inexorably ; but he relaxed so far as to remark that of course it would n't do for Nick to neglect the House .