The maid-servant at the house round the corner opened the door in response to a sharp ring and an imperious rap, though they came at an unprecedented hour at night.
She saw before her, by the flicker of the oil lamp overhead, a woman standing on the step.
On asking her business, she answered, 'I want to see Winefred Holwood.'
'Miss Holwood,' said the maid, with emphasis. 'Miss Holwood is not at home. She has gone with our ladies to the Assembly Ball.'
'Assembly Ball! Where is that?'
'In the Assembly Rooms, of course.'
'But where are they?'
'Near the Circus.'
'How am I to find them?'
'You must go along Gay Street till you reach the Circus, then you turn to the right and see a building with pillars, between Bennett Street and Alfred Street.'