"I wanted to hear all about Braster, and I had a message for him from Sir Michael Trogoldy." The Duke made no remark.
"I shall require you, Ducaine, at ten o'clock to-morrow morning in my study," he said.

"Afterwards we go over to the War Office.

You have brought all the papers with you ?--If you are quite ready, Angela." The Duke, without saying a word, had managed to make me feel that he considered my presence in the drawing-room with Lady Angela superfluous, but her smile and farewell were quite sufficient recompense for me.
Still, I knew that this living together under the same roof was to be no unmixed blessing for me.

I shut myself in the dainty little sitting-room which I was told was mine, and turned the key in the door.
I felt the need of solitude.
* * * * * Later in the evening I became mundane again.

I remembered that I had sent dinner away, and though I had only to ring the bell and order something, I felt the need of fresh air.