The Princess said that her errand with you was urgent, sir," he added, turning apologetically towards his master.
The Princess was already in the room, and following her a short man in a suit of sombre black, wearing a white tie, and carrying a black bowler hat.

He blinked across the room through his thick glasses, and Dominey knew that the end had come.

The door was closed behind them.

The Princess came a little further into the room.

Her hand was extended towards Dominey, but not in greeting.