Wednesday Evening, 9 o'clock
When first told of the earl 's disclosure , he was told as if it were an ascertained fact ; and his horror knew no bounds . But when he came to inquire into the matter , and found that it rested on no other foundation than the distempered wanderings of a man whose brain was at the time laboring under the effects of an apoplectic seizure , he began to feel a great relief ; especially when Miss Macspleuchan could mention no single circumstance corroboratory of so amazing and frightful a representation . At her suggestion , the duke , unable to render any personal service to the earl , who was in the hands of the physicians , hurried home again , and sent off a special messenger to Mr. Gammon , whose address Miss Macspleuchan had given him , with the following note : -- `` The Duke of Tantallan presents his compliments to Mr. Gammon , and most earnestly begs that he will , without a moment 's delay , favor the duke with a call in Portman Square , on business of the last importance . `` Portman Square , Wednesday Evening , 9 o'clock . '' A huge servant of the duke 's -- with powdered hair , silver epaulettes , dark crimson coat , and white breeches , having altogether a most splendid appearance -- created something like a sensation in the immediate neighborhood of Thavies ' Inn , by inquiring , with a very impatient and excited air , for `` Thavies ' Inn , '' and a `` gentleman of the name of _ Gammon _ '' who was very naturally supposed to be honored by some special and direct communication from the king , or at least some member of the royal family . Gammon himself , who was in the act of opening his door to go out and make his promised call of inquiry in Grosvenor Square -- was flustered for a moment , on finding himself stepping into the arms of such an imposing personage ; who said , as he gave him the letter , on finding him to be Mr. Gammon -- `` From the Duke of Tantallan , sir . His Grace , I believe , expects you immediately , sir . ''