MARY SCOTT PAYS AN UNEXPECTED CALL
Brooks met the butler entering the room with a card upon his salver. He stretched out his hand for it mechanically, but the man only regarded him in mild surprise. "For his lordship, sir. Excuse me."
The man passed on. Brooks remained bewildered. Lord Arranmore took the card from the tray and examined it leisurely.
"Miss Mary Scott," he repeated aloud. "Are you sure that the young lady asked to see me?"
"Quite sure, your lordship," the servant answered.
"Scott. The name sounds familiar, somehow!" Lord Arranmore said.
"Haven't I heard you mention it, Brooks?
"Miss Scott is the niece of Mr. Bullsom, one of my best clients, a large builder in Medchester," Brooks answered. "Why?"
He stopped suddenly short. Arranmore glanced towards him in polite unconcern.
"You saw her with me at Mellon's, in Medchester. You asked me her name."
Lord Arranmore bent the card in his forefinger, and dropped his eyeglass.