This time he had a groom with him and a suitcase packed for a night's use, as he was to go on to London after his interview with Stephen.

He had lost sight altogether of the matter of Stephen's letter, or else he would have been more nervous.
He was taken into the blue drawing-room, where shortly Miss Rowly joined him.

He had not expected this.

His mental uneasiness manifested itself in his manner, and his fidgeting was not unobserved by the astute old lady.

He was disconcerted; 'overwhelmed' would better have described his feelings when she said: 'Miss Norman is sorry she can't see you to-day as she is making a visit; but she has given me a message for you, or rather a commission to discharge.