"Yes," said Stanley meditatively, and rang his bell. "John," he continued to the functionary who appeared, "did I send Mrs. Roberts of Roberts' Hall, Sussex, a telegram this morning?"
"No, sir."
"Well, please wire her at once that I'll arrive this afternoon. Leave in an hour. Is his Excellency disengaged?"
"Yes, sir."
"Thanks, that will do," and as John departed he added to Randell: "You might go ahead and reserve a corner seat in a first-class carriage for me. Facing the engine. Liverpool Street—you know."
"Where is Colonel Darcy?"
"Waiting at your rooms for an answer."
"Ah," said Stanley, "that gives me time to explain things to the Chief. If Colonel Darcy is there when you return after seeing me off, tell him I don't know anything about his wife, and if that isn't good enough he can call on his Excellency. Say I'm away in the country for an indefinite time."
"Yes, sir."