The sun had scarcely risen when he rang for his valet.
The young man appeared promptly.
The duke made a hasty toilet, and then called his servant to attend him down stairs.
None of the household were yet astir.
But, by the direction of the duke, Kerr unlocked, unbolted and unbarred the street door to let his master out.
"Close and secure the house after me, James, for it will be hours yet before the household will be up," said the duke, as he passed out.
It was a clear October day for London. The sun was not more than twenty minutes high, and it shone redly and dully through a morning fog. The streets were still deserted, except by milkmen, bakers, costermongers, and other "early birds."
He walked rapidly to the Church Court police station.
Detective Setter was not there. But the Duke left word for him to call at Elmthorpe as soon as he should return.
He left the police station and went on toward Elmthrope. But he did not enter the house. He could not rest. He walked up and down the sidewalk in front of the iron railings until he thought Lady Belgrade might have risen.