The tea tray sat on a small side table by his chair, next to a stack of books, several of which had fallen to the floor, where he had left them the night before. The servants had learned by now to leave his library as he left it, except for an occasional dusting. He poured a healthy cup of tea, took a large scoop of sugar and a splash of milk, and then turned his attention to the plate of toast. Graham had thoughtfully added a small cake, which was a rare treat. But then, it had been a trying day.

After several cups of tea, a few pieces of toast, and a slice of the cake, he pushed the tray away with a feeling of contentment, dropped his paper on the floor, and picked up a slim leather volume. It was a recently published edition of The Small House at Allington, which he was reading slowly in order to savor it. Today he would give himself two chapters: another small reward for coping with both Inspector Exeter and the fearsome weather.

Graham came in after a moment to take away the tray.

“Excuse the interruption, sir,” he said, “but will there be a reply to Lady Grey’s letter?”

“It’s horribly cold outside, Graham.”

“Indeed, sir?”

“Really horribly cold. You expect a seal to stroll by you on the street.”

“Are you warm now, sir?”

“Yes, a little better. I was only thinking about the cold.”

“Sir?”

Lenox sighed. “I suppose I’ll have to go next door, though.” There was a pause while he looked glumly into the fire.

“To Lady Grey’s, sir?” said Graham.

Lenox didn’t respond. He continued to look glum. Finally he said, “Yes, to Lady Grey’s. I hate to do it, though.”