Just look in the cupboard.' The guide was found.

Richard consulted it for a few moments.
'I have to go out of London,' he then observed.

'It's just possible I shan't get back to-night.' A little talk followed about the arrangements of the day, and whether anyone was likely to be at home for dinner.

Richard did not show much interest in the matter; he went upstairs whistling, and changed the clothing he wore for his best suit.

In a quarter of an hour he had left the house.
He did not return till the evening of the following day.