"That is quite right.... May I ask...?"
"Only a few minutes, Lady Laura, I promise you. Will you forgive my persistence?"
Yes; the man was a gentleman; there was no doubt of that.
"Would not tomorrow do? I am rather engaged today."
He had his card-case ready, and without answering her at once, he came up the steps and handed it to her.
The name meant nothing at all to her.
"Will not tomorrow...?" she began again.
"Tomorrow will be too late," said the old gentleman. "I beg of you, Lady Laura. It is on an extremely important matter."
She still hesitated an instant; then she pushed the door open and went in.
"Please come in," she said.