Force of circumstances, in this instance, found actual embodiment in the person of Randell, who put in an appearance at the Legation about noon. The valet had never been there before in his life, and his appearance in Stanley's office was assurance in itself that something most unusual must have happened. The instant he set eyes on him, the Secretary was prepared for a fire or the death of a relative--at least. "Well?" he said. "What is it?" "A gentleman 'as called to see you, sir, at the house." "You didn't come all the way down here to tell me that!" he exclaimed, immensely relieved. "Yes, sir. You see, sir, it was some particular gentleman." "Who?" "Colonel Darcy, sir." "Good Heavens!" "And very excited, sir." "Naturally; but how did he know that Madame De Costa--Mrs. Darcy, I mean. That is, why didn't he come to the Legation?" "You see, sir, as he told me the story----" and Randell paused uneasily. "Well, out with it, man: what did he tell you?" "That the lady had written him--which he got this morning, that she had placed herself in your care, and all her belongings were to be sent to your address." "What, my private address?" "Yes, sir. Quite correct, sir. He showed it to me in her letter." "It's all because I gave her my private card by mistake," and Mr. Stanley cursed a number of people and things under his breath. "He asked plenty of questions, which I didn't answer, more than I was in duty bound. But when he learned as you was a bachelor, sir, and the lady had been at your rooms last evening, he was that upset----" The Secretary tilted his office chair back on its hind legs and gave vent to a long, low, meditative whistle. "I explained to him that there was nothing to be displeased about; but he wouldn't have none of it and said----" "Yes, yes, what did he say?" "He said a good many things, some of which I wouldn't repeat, sir, not being respectful; but he asked for your official address, which I wouldn't give him, and said as he'd call you out--and spoke of bringing suit--and called you--wel-l, most everything, sir." "You need not particularise, Randell." "No, sir." "Is that all?" "Yes, sir. Except to my mind, he didn't seem really very much displeased over the matter." Stanley grunted significantly. He thought he understood. Darcy could have wished for nothing better. "I took the liberty, sir," continued the valet, serenely, "to bring your bag, ready packed, and your travelling rug and umbrella, thinking as you might be leaving town to-day, sir." "Confound you, Randell, I believe you think me guilty after all." "I thought as you were going to Mrs. Roberts' to-day, sir. You spoke of it to me a week ago, and had forgotten to give directions about your things, sir." "Yes," said Stanley meditatively, and rang his bell. "John," he continued to the functionary who appeared, "did I send Mrs. Roberts of Roberts' Hall, Sussex, a telegram this morning?" "No, sir."