He hurriedly wrapped a travelling-shawl and dressing - gown around himself, and went downstairs. An old woman and a couple of waiters were cleaning the coffee room, and an officer in informal uniform was looking out of the window. He turned round as Mr Winkle entered, and gave him a stiff nod of the head. The soldier then ordered the attendants to retire, and closed the door very carefully. He said, 'Mr Winkle, I presume?'

'My name is Winkle, sir.'

'You will not be surprised, sir, when I tell you that I have called here this morning at the request of my friend, Doctor Slammer, of the 97th.'

'Doctor Slammer!' said Mr Winkle.

'Doctor Slammer. He told me to say that your conduct last evening was of the kind which no gentleman could put up with; and' he added 'which no one gentleman should exhibit to another.'

Doctor Slammer's friend noticed Mr Winkle's very real astonishment, and therefore he went on - 'My friend, Doctor Slammer, requested me to add that he is convinced that you were drunk during a portion of the evening. Therefore perhaps you do not realise how greatly you insulted him. He asked me to say, that if you give this as an excuse for your behaviour, he will consent to a written apology, to be penned by you, as I dictate it.'

Vocabulary:

Shawl: A small blanket for the shoulders
Informal: For every day wear, not best.
Retire: Here it means 'leave'
Presume: Think, believe
Conduct: Behaviour
Exhibit: Show
Portion: Part
Consent: Agree
Penned: Written