He arose refreshed and altogether philosophic, relegated Madame De Costa to past diplomatic experiences, and in the light of that youthful folly which wears the guise of wisdom, told himself, as he walked across the Green Park to his office, that he was glad the incident was over. But nevertheless, while he thought of the fair Señora many times during the morning, the existence of Miss Fitzgerald, or of her aunt, never occurred to him till force of circumstances brought it to his mind.
Force of circumstances, in this instance, found actual embodiment in the person of Randell, who put in an appearance at the Legation about noon. The valet had never been there before in his life, and his appearance in Stanley's office was assurance in itself that something most unusual must have happened. The instant he set eyes on him, the Secretary was prepared for a fire or the death of a relative—at least.
"Well?" he said. "What is it?"
"A gentleman 'as called to see you, sir, at the house."
"You didn't come all the way down here to tell me that!" he exclaimed, immensely relieved.
"Yes, sir. You see, sir, it was some particular gentleman."
"Who?"
"Colonel Darcy, sir."
"Good Heavens!"
"And very excited, sir."