Hutter turned to lead, taking Arthur to the east end.
The box was hidden in the inner corner of the second floor, with no number on the door, only an ebony plaque edged in silver, engraved with two simple letters: A.H.
The attendant waiting by the side saw Arthur coming and respectfully opened the door, ushering them inside.
The box was elegantly decorated, with a warm fire burning in the fireplace. A large window faced the garden of Kensington Palace, in front of which were several wide dark red sofas and two antique copper tea tables. On the tables lay today's copies of The Times, the Manchester Guardian, and other newspapers. The wine cabinet housed a few unopened bottles of sherry and champagne.
As soon as he sat down, Arthur took out a letter from his pocket and placed it on the table, lightly tapping the cover with the back of his finger.
