he gave airy excuses , for his presence in the city , and for his visit : the baby ill and squalling , the wife impatient , `` and i thought to myself what i needed was a walk in the fresh air , and to have a look at the stars - too many lights in mayfair - sure lord holland would not mind - `` it was a bizarre proposal , at midnight , with an army in the streets and two men in rough clothing behind him , but gavins only bowed : familiar with the odd starts of gentlemen in their cups , and too well-trained to show it , if he were puzzled .