The butler was standing there, and, handing Scott a card, said, briefly,

“A gentleman on private business; must see Mr. Mainwaring or his secretary at once.”

Scott glanced at the card:  it bore the name of “J.  Henry Carruthers,” with a London address, and underneath had been hastily pencilled the word “Important.”

“Show the gentleman up,” he said.  The butler bowed and was gone, and in an incredibly short time, while yet Scott’s pulse throbbed wildly from his recent discovery, the stranger entered the room.

He was a little above the average height, with a somewhat commanding presence, rather pale face, dark moustache, and black curling hair.  He wore dark glasses, and was dressed in a tweed suit, slightly travel-worn, but his manners were those of a gentleman.

“Mr. Scott, I believe,” he said, addressing the secretary.

“That is my name, sir; please be seated.  What can I do for you, Mr. Carruthers?”

“Will you inform me, Mr. Scott, of the earliest hour at which I can see Mr. Mainwaring?  I called at his city office and was directed here; but the butler states that Mr. Mainwaring is away from home, and is unable to say when he will return, or how soon he would be at liberty to see me.”

“Mr. Mainwaring will probably return about five o’clock; but it is rather difficult for me to state when you could see him, as he is entertaining a number of guests, and it is doubtful if he would care to attend to any business just at this time, unless it were of special importance.”

“My business with Mr. Mainwaring is of special importance,” replied the other; “and I would be very glad if he could give me a little time to-morrow.”

“Perhaps, if you would give me some intimation of its nature,” Scott suggested, “Mr. Mainwaring might consent to make an appointment for the following day.  I hardly think he would see you sooner.  To-morrow is his birthday, and, as it is to be celebrated by him and his guests, it is doubtful whether he would attend to any business on that day.”

“Indeed!” said Mr. Carruthers, rising, while Scott was conscious of a peculiar scrutiny fixed upon himself from behind those dark glasses; “it had escaped my mind, but now I recall that Mr. Mainwaring is to celebrate his birthday by making his young English cousin and namesake his heir.  I certainly would not intrude at a time so inopportune.”

The secretary started.  “I was not aware that Mr. Mainwaring’s intentions were generally known,” he remarked.

“Perhaps not,” replied the other, in a peculiar tone.  “I merely heard it mentioned, and all parties have my congratulations and best wishes.  Kindly say to Mr. Mainwaring that when the happy event is over I hope he will give me his earliest consideration.  My address for the present will be the Arlington House..  Do not take the trouble to ring, I can find my way.”

“You will find this way much shorter, sir,” Scott replied, opening the door into the southern hall.  Mr. Carruthers thanked him and, with a profound bow, took his departure.