The mews were active, the Piccadilly houses being mostly in occupation.

I asked one or two of the grooms and helpers whom I saw around if they could tell me anything about the empty house.

One of them said that he heard it had lately been taken, but he couldn't say from whom.

He told me, however, that up to very lately there had been a notice board of "For Sale" up, and that perhaps Mitchell, Sons, & Candy the house agents could tell me something, as he thought he remembered seeing the name of that firm on the board.

I did not wish to seem too eager, or to let my informant know or guess too much, so thanking him in the usual manner, I strolled away.