This came in the form of a carriage and pair, followed by a ring at the bell.
The man opened the door, and his fellow servitor of an eccentric class and generation stepped back on the door-step to let a young lady pass into the hall.
"Mr.Oscard ?" she said curtly.
"Left 'ome, miss," replied the butler, stiffly conscious of walnut-peel on his waistcoat.
"How long ago ?" "A matter of half an hour, miss." Millicent Chyne, whose face was drawn and white, moved farther into the hall.

Seeing the dining-room door ajar, she passed into that stately apartment, followed by the butler.
"Mr.Oscard sent me this note," she said, showing a crumpled paper, "saying that he was leaving for Africa to-night.

He gives no explanation.

Why has he gone to Africa ?" "He received a telegram while he was at dinner, miss," replied the butler, whose knowledge of the world indicated the approach of at least a sovereign.

"He rose and threw down his napkin, miss.