He was sitting in this solitary state one afternoon early in October, when the waiter approached him and handed to him a card.
Captain Willoughby took it with alacrity, for he desired company, and his acquaintances had all left the club to fulfil the most pressing and imperative engagements.

But as he read the card his countenance fell.
"Colonel Durrance!" he said, and scratched his head thoughtfully.
Durrance had never in his life paid him a friendly visit before, and why should he go out of his way to do so now?
It looked as if Durrance had somehow got wind of his journey to Kingsbridge.
"Does Colonel Durrance know that I am in the club ?" he asked.
"Yes, sir," replied the waiter.
"Very well.

Show him in." Durrance had, no doubt come to ask questions, and diplomacy would be needed to elude them.

Captain Willoughby had no mind to meddle any further in the affairs of Miss Ethne Eustace.

Feversham and Durrance must fight their battle without his intervention.