"Yes; there can be no doubt that this surmise is corroborated by the latest news. But I must have more precise and correct information without delay. How is it to be obtained? Which of my agents can help me best? Lavitsky? He works in Woolwich Arsenal--he might know if more wheeled transport had been ordered. Or Bauer, at Portsmouth--he would know of any movements in the fleet. Or--
"Of course!" and he slapped his forehead, despising his own stupidity. "Cyprienne--she can, and must, manage this."
He proceeded to put back the papers into the secret drawer; he replaced the volume on the shelf, and, taking the telegram he had written in his hand, left the office, carefully locking the door behind him.
Hailing a cab, he was driven first to a telegraph-station, where he sent off his despatch, only adding the words:--
"Other important transactions in the shipping interest will shortly be undertaken; more precise details will speedily follow."
Then he directed the cabman to drive to Thistle Grove, Brompton.
"Is Mrs. Wilders visible yet?" he asked the servant, on reaching her house.
"Madame does not receive so early," replied the man, a foreigner, speaking broken English, who was new to the establishment, and had never seen Mr. Hobson before.
"Take in my name!" said Mr. Hobson, peremptorily. "It is urgent, say. I must see her at once."
"Do so, and look sharp about it. Don't trouble about me--be off and tell the maid. I know my way;" and Mr. Hobson marched himself into the morning-room.
This room, in the forenoon, was on the shady side of the house--it looked on to a pretty garden, a small, level lawn of intensely green grass, jewelled with flowers. The windows, reaching to the ground, were wide open, and near one was drawn a small round table, on which was set a dainty breakfast-service of pink-and-white china, glistening plate, and crimson roses, standing out in pleasant relief upon the snowy damask.
"Beyond question, madame has a knack of making herself comfortable. I have seldom seen a cosier retreat on a broiling summer's day, and in this dusty, dirty town. She has not breakfasted yet, nor, except for my cup of coffee, have I. I will do myself the pleasure of joining her. A cutlet and a glass of cool claret will suit me admirably just now, and we can talk as we eat."