Tudor, that his intentions had throughout been perfectly honourable, and
that on her return to the flat he had quickly convinced Camilla of this.

In which case, where did he, Hugo, come in?

As for the terms of the note, he perceived that he had interpreted them
in a particular way because he wished to interpret them in a particular
way.

He ascended in the direction of Department 42. Perhaps, after all, she
had escaped his vigilance, and was at her duties.

On the way thither he was accosted by a manager.

'Mr. Hugo.'

'Well, Banbury?'

'I telephoned to New Scotland Yard, but they refused any information.
However, I've got a pair from the nearest police-station. I shall order
our blacksmiths to make a dozen pairs to pattern. They will be in next
month's catalogue.'

'I congratulate you, Banbury.'

And he passed on. The early-rising customers were beginning to invade
the galleries, the cashiers in their confessional-boxes were settling
themselves in their seats, faultless shopwalkers were giving a final
hitch to their lovely collars, and the rank-and-file were preparing to
receive cavalry. The vast machine had started, slowly and deliberately,