'The children are out, sir, but not with Miss Townsend. They are spending the day with their grandmother.'
'Oh! Do you happen to know if Mr and Mrs Ottley will be at home to dinner?'
'I've heard nothing to the contrary, sir.'
'May I come in and write a note?'
He went into the little drawing-room. It was intensely associated with her. He felt a little ému…. There was the writing-table, there the bookcase, the few chairs, the grey walls; some pale roses fading in a pewter vase…. The restfulness of the surroundings filled him, and feeling happier he wrote on the grey notepaper:
'DEAR MRS OTTLEY,
I arrived early this morning. I started, in fact, from Paris immediately after receiving a few lines you very kindly sent me there. I'm so disappointed not to see you. Unless I hear to the contrary—and even if I do, I think!—I propose to come round this evening about nine, and tell you and Bruce all about my travels.
'Excuse my country manners in thus inviting myself. But I know you will say no if you don't want me. And in that case I shall have to come another time, very soon, instead, as I really must see you and show you something I've got for Archie. Yours always—'
He paused, and then added:
'Sincerely,