And before long each of the ladies received a large cardboard box full of fresh-cut flowers, sent by Mr.Barker of course; and the Duke, hearing of this from his man, sent "his compliments to Lady Victoria, and would she send him a rose for his coat ?" So the Duke sallied forth on foot, and the little creases in his clothes showed that he had just arrived.
But he did not attract any attention, for the majority of the population of New York have "just arrived." Besides, he had not far to go.

He had a friend in town who lived but a few steps from the hotel, and his first move on arriving was generally to call there.
Claudius waited a short time to see whether Mr.Barker would come; but as Claudius rarely waited for anybody, he soon grew impatient, and squeezing himself into a cab, told the driver to take him to Messrs.
Screw and Scratch in Pine Street.

He was received with deference, and treated as his position demanded.

Would he like to see Mr.Silas B.
Barker senior?
Very natural that he should want to make the acquaintance of his relative's old friend and partner.

Mr.Screw was out, yes--but Mr.Scratch would accompany him.