It contained only a few lines, in a large sprawling hand-writing.
"ROWCHESTER, Wednesday Morning.
"The Duke of Rowchester presents his compliments to Mr.Ducaine, and would be much obliged if he could make it convenient to call upon him at Rowchester between three and four o'clock this afternoon." I folded the note up and turned to the groom.
"Will you tell his Grace," I said, "that you found me on the road, and I was unable, therefore, to write my answer, but I will call at the time he mentions ?" The man touched his hat and rode away.

Blanche Moyat, who had been standing a few yards off, rejoined me.
"Has the Duke sent for you to go there ?" she asked, with obvious curiosity.
"Yes.

He has offered to lend me the village hall," I told her.

"I expect that is what he wants to see me about." She tossed her head.
"You didn't tell me so just now when I told you that father had offered to speak about it," she remarked.
"I am afraid," I said, gravely, "my mind was full of more serious matters." She said no more until we reached the front of the Moyats' house.

Then she did not offer me her hand, but she stood quite close to me, and spoke in an unnaturally low tone.
"You wish me, then," she said, "not to mention about that man--his asking the way to your cottage ?" "It seems quite unnecessary," I answered, "and it would only mean that I should be bothered with questions which I could not answer." "Very well," she said, "Good-bye!" I shuddered to myself as I followed the wagon down the narrow street towards the police station.