This came in the form of a carriage and pair, followed by a ring at the bell. The man opened the door, and his fellow servitor of an eccentric class and generation stepped back on the door-step to let a young lady pass into the hall. "Mr. Oscard?" she said curtly. "Left 'ome, miss," replied the butler, stiffly conscious of walnut-peel on his waistcoat. "How long ago?"