The evening came; he was at the Fifth Avenue,--his card sent up,--his feet impatiently travelling to and fro upon the parlor carpet,--his heart beating with happiness and expectancy.

A shadow darkened the door; he flew to meet the substance,--not a sweet face and graceful form, but a servant, big and commonplace, bringing him his own card and the announcement, "The ladies is both out, sir." "Impossible! take it up again." He said "impossible" because Francesca had that morning told him she would be at home in the evening.
"All right, sir; but it's no use, for there's nobody there, I know"; and he vanished for a second attempt, unsuccessful as the first.

Surrey went to the office, still determinedly incredulous.
"Are Mrs.Lancaster and Miss Ercildoune not in ?" "No, sir; both out.

Keys here,"-- showing them.

"Left for one of the five-o'clock trains; rooms not given up; said they would be back in a few days." "From what depot did they leave ?" "Don't know, sir.