The engine started with a wheeze and then a roar.

The driver leaped into the car and brought the racing engine to a smoother running.

"The cursed thing" he remarked, "why couldn't it have done that an hour ago.

O, say, excuse me, have you just been at the house up the road ?" "The Duke house?
yes." "Is the old man--is Mr.Duke at home ?" "Yes; he's at home." "Thank you." The car moved slowly up the road until it reached the Duke gate where it stopped; but only for a moment, for it turned and sped with increasing hurry along the road leading to the city.
Dorian stood and watched it until its red light disappeared.

He wondered why the stranger wanted to know why Mr.Duke was at home, then on learning that he was, why he turned about as if he had no business with him.
Later, Dorian learned the reason..