Then she saw the wisdom of having informed the Duke of her position before any officious acquaintance could do it for her.

The Duke, indeed, saw very few people in New York, for he hated to be "entertained," but he knew a great many men slightly, and some one of them would probably have obliged him with the information.
One morning as he and the Countess were about to drive up to the Park for their daily ride, which had become an institution, the servant presented a card, saying the gentleman was anxious to see her ladyship at once, if possible.

The card was that of Mr.Screw, of Screw and Scratch.
"Very well," said the Countess, who was pulling on her gloves, and holding her riding-stick under one arm as she did so.

"Ask him to come up." The Duke moved to withdraw.
"Don't go, please," said Margaret; and so he remained.

A moment later Mr.Screw's yellow head and small eyes appeared at the door.
"The Countess Margaret ?" he inquired deferentially.
"Yes.