His station-wagon, splashed and streaked with mud, stood in the court-yard, just as it had been driven from the station, and the smell of the smoke of newly-lit fires showed that the house had been opened only for this hurried visit of its owner.
The tramping of horse hoofs in the court-yard was soon followed by steps along the corridor, and the servant ushered Captain Carroll into the presence of his master.

The Captain did not remove his military overcoat, but remained standing erect in the centre of the room, with his forage cap in his hand.
"I could have given you a lift from the station," said Prince, "if you had come that way.

I've only just got in myself." "I preferred to ride," said Carroll, dryly.
"Sit down by the fire," said Prince, motioning to a chair, "and dry yourself." "I must ask you first the purport of this interview," said Carroll, curtly, "before I prolong it further.

You have asked me to come here in reference to certain letters I returned to their rightful owner some months ago.

If you seek to reclaim them again, or to refer to a subject which must remain forgotten, I decline to proceed further." "It DOES refer to the letters, and it rests with you whether they shall be forgotten or not.