claimed his attention. He wondered vaguely where he might go
to--what he might do in those two hours? In the last few
minutes a distaste for solitude had risen in his mind, giving
the close street a loneliness that had escaped him before.

As he stood wavering a cab passed slowly down the street. The
sight of a well-dressed man roused the cabman; flicking his
whip, he passed Chilcote close, feigning to pull up.

The cab suggested civilization. Chilcote's mind veered
suddenly and he raised his hand. The vehicle stopped and he
climbed in.

"Where, sir?" The cabman peered down through the roof-door.

Chilcote raised his head. "Oh, anywhere near Pall Mall," he
said. Then, as the horse started forward, he put up his hand
and shook the trap-door. "Wait!" he called. "I've changed my
mind. Drive to Cadogan Gardens--No. 33."

The distance to Cadogan Gardens was covered quickly. Chilcote
had hardly realized that his destination was reached when the
cab pulled up. Jumping out, he paid the fare and walked
quickly to the hall-door of No. 33.

"Is Lady Astrupp at home?" he asked, sharply, as the door
swung back in answer to his knock.

The servant drew back deferentially. "Her ladyship has almost
finished lunch, sir," he said.