I knocked at the door and inquired for my kinsman.

The servant ushered me into a hall and left me.

He was absent some time, during which I was an object of curiosity to several persons of both sexes who entered or left an adjoining apartment.

One very pretty young woman seemed unpleasantly struck with my appearance, and expressed in audible tones her astonishment at my impertinence in entering the front door.

The servant at length returned and said the gentleman I wanted was unwell, and could not be seen.
I was thunderstruck at this announcement, and declared it must be a mistake.