"Will you be good-natured and come in for a little while?"

"I'm afraid--isn't it rather late?"

"Only half-past eleven."

"Well, thank you."

They stepped into the little hall. As they did so a valet appeared at the
head of the stairs leading to the servants' quarters.

"If you please, sir," he said to Pierce, "this note has just come. I was
to ask if you would read it directly you returned."

"Will you excuse me?" said Pierce to Sir Donald, tearing open the
envelope.

He glanced at the note.

"Is it to ask you to go somewhere to-night?" Sir Donald said.

"Yes, but--"

"I will go."

"Please don't. It is only from a friend who is just round the corner in
Stratton Street. If you will not mind his joining us here I will send him
a message."