A man of method, he seldom left his rooms without instructions as to where he was to be found.
"The gentleman begged you to excuse his coming here, sir," the man whispered, confidentially, "but he is returning to the country this evening, and was anxious to see you.

He is quite ready to wait your convenience." Borrowdean held the card in his hand, scrutinizing it with impassive face.

Was this a piece of unparalleled good fortune, or simply a trick of the fates to tempt him on to catastrophe?
With that wonderful swiftness of thought which was part of his mental equipment he balanced the chances--and took his risk.
"I should be glad," he said, looking the servant in the face, "if you would show the gentleman up here as an ordinary visitor.

I should like to find you down stairs when I come out.

You understand ?" "Perfectly, sir," the man answered, and withdrew.
Mannering had no idea whose house he was in.