Chapter 21
It was a day when chance was kind to Francis. After leaving his
rooms at the Temple, he made a call at one of the great clubs in
Pall Mall, to enquire as to the whereabouts of a friend. On his way
back towards the Sheridan, he came face to face with Margaret
Hilditch, issuing from the doors of one of the great steamship
companies. For a moment he almost failed to recognise her. She
reminded him more of the woman of the tea-shop. Her costume, neat
and correct though it was, was studiously unobtrusive. Her motoring
veil, too, was obviously worn to assist her in escaping notice.
She, too, came to a standstill at seeing him. Her first
ejaculations betrayed a surprise which bordered on consternation.
Then Francis, with a sudden inspiration, pointed to the long
envelope w
