Mutimer expected him.

Alice quitted the dining-room when he was announced, and 'Arry, who at the same moment came in for breakfast, was bidden go about his business, and be ready to leave the house in half-an-hour.
'What does this mean ?' Richard asked abruptly, handing the letter to his visitor.
Keene perused the crabbed writing, and uttered sundry 'Ah's' and 'Hum's.' 'Do you know anything about it ?' Mutimer continued, in a tone between mere annoyance and serious indignation.
'I think I had better tell you what took place last night,' said the journalist, with side glances.

He had never altogether thrown off the deferential manner when conversing with his patron, and at present he emphasised it.

'Those fellows carry party feeling too far; the proceedings were scandalous.

It really was enough to make one feel that one mustn't be too scrupulous in trying to stop their mouths.