All the papers previously chosen seemed wrong in their shades, and he began from the beginning to choose again.
While entering on the task he heard a forced 'Ahem!' from without the porch, evidently uttered to attract his attention, and footsteps again advancing to the door.

His man, whom he had quite forgotten in his mental turmoil, was still waiting there.
'I beg your pardon, sir,' the man said from round the doorway; 'but here's the note from Mr.Downe that you didn't take.

He called just after you went out, and as he couldn't wait, he wrote this on your study- table.' He handed in the letter--no black-bordered one now, but a practical-looking note in the well-known writing of the solicitor.
'DEAR BARNET'-- it ran--'Perhaps you will be prepared for the information I am about to give--that Lucy Savile and myself are going to be married this morning.

I have hitherto said nothing as to my intention to any of my friends, for reasons which I am sure you will fully appreciate.

The crisis has been brought about by her expressing her intention to join her brother in India.