Seaman did not at once start on his mission to the Princess.

He made his way instead to the servants' quarters and knocked at the door of the butler's sitting-room.

There was no reply.

He tried the handle in vain.
The door was locked.

A tall, grave-faced man in sombre black came out from an adjoining apartment.
"You are looking for the person who arrived this evening from abroad, sir ?" he enquired.
"I am," Seaman replied.