How much longer was Lady Lydiard's visitor to be left unnoticed in Lady Lydiard's house?
As the question passed through his mind the boudoir door opened.

For once in his life, Alfred Hardyman's composure deserted him.

He started to his feet, like an ordinary mortal taken completely by surprise.
Instead of Mr.Moody, instead of Lady Lydiard, there appeared in the open doorway a young woman in a state of embarrassment, who actually quickened the beat of Mr.Hardyman's heart the moment he set eyes on her.

Was the person who produced this amazing impression at first sight a person of importance?
Nothing of the sort.

She was only "Isabel" surnamed "Miller." Even her name had nothing in it.