Then he pushed the paper aside with a contemptuous movement and drank his coffee.
His servant, appearing in answer to the bell a few minutes later, looked at him with furtive curiosity.

He had already seen the announcement, being in the habit of studying society items before placing the paper on the breakfast-table.

But Merrivale's clean-shaven face was free from perturbation, and the man was puzzled.
"Reynolds," Merrivale said, "I shall go out of town this afternoon.

Have the motor ready at four!" "Very good, my lord." Reynolds glanced at the table and noted with some satisfaction that his master had only eaten one egg.
"Yes, I have finished," Merrivale said, taking up the paper.

"If Mr.
Culver calls, ask him to be good enough to wait for me.