Arrived at his house, his secretary reminded him that he had an appointment in ten minutes' time.

He thanked the secretary in the same dreamy, absent manner in which he had thanked the owner of the villa, and went into his dressing-room.

The person with whom he had made the appointment came, and the secretary sent the valet up stairs to knock at the door.

There was no answer.

On trying the lock it proved to be turned inside.