Uncle Eric had already been to him, but I fancied not with a view of trying to see Ivor.

That idea had apparently not been in his mind at all.

Anyway, the Ambassador would already understand that the family took a deep interest in the fate of Ivor Dundas, and would not be wholly astonished at receiving a call from me.

Besides, hearing of some rather venturesome escapades of mine when I first arrived in London, he had once, while visiting Uncle Eric, laughed a good deal and said that in future he would be "surprised at nothing an American girl might do." I told the driver to go to the British Embassy as fast as he could.
There, I sent in my name, and the Ambassador received me at once.

I didn't explain much, but came to the point immediately, and said that I wanted--oh, but wanted and needed very much indeed--to see Ivor Dundas.
Could he, would he help me to do that?
"Ought I to help you ?" he asked.