one o'clock
cried Topham , in his mind . ` I always undervalue myself . ' * * * * * It was late that evening when Starkey came home ; to his surprise he found that Topham was later still . In vain he sat writing until past one o'clock . Topham did not appear , and indeed never came back at all . The overworked corresponding tutor was taking his ease at the seaside on the strength of a quarter 's salary in advance , which Mr. Wigmore , tremulously anxious to clinch their bargain , had insisted on paying him . Before leaving London he had written to Starkey , apologising for his abrupt departure , ` The result of unforeseen circumstances . '