The floor, the chairs--not common ones but of the early Queen Anne fashion with leathern seats--an old escritoire, were strewn with papers.

The occupant and owner was invisible.

But she could hear his voice.

He was remonstrating with the little man in the doorway.
Lavinia touched the man on the shoulder.

He turned, stared and seeing only a pretty girl favoured her with a leer.
"How much does Mr.Vane owe you ?" said Lavinia, chinking the coins.
"Eh, my dear?
Are you going to pay his debt?
Lucky young man.