This was a trifling circumstance, yet my mind was full of reflections on the consequences that might flow from it.

I remembered the directions that were given, but construed them in a manner different, perhaps, from Welbeck's expectations or wishes.

He had charged me to leave the billet with the servant who happened to answer my summons; but had he not said that the message was important, insomuch that it could not be intrusted to common hands?
He had permitted, rather than enjoined, me to dispense with seeing the lady; and this permission I conceived to be dictated merely by regard to my convenience.

It was incumbent on me, therefore, to take some pains to deliver the script into her own hands.
I arrived at the house and knocked.

A female servant appeared.