Standish’s was one of an otherwise respectable row of big brownstone houses in a side street among the Forties. The arrangements were very discreet. There was a bright light in the vestibule, and while you waited there for the door to be opened you were presumably subjected to a close scrutiny from within, but you were not aware of it. Alcorne being eminently persona grata at the house, he and his friend were not kept standing long.
persona grataThe lower floor was given up to dressing rooms in charge of smiling and discreet footmen and maids, who made you feel that you could not be better taken care of anywhere. A magnificent, sweeping stairway, with elaborately carved balustrade, wound up through the centre of the house, fitting for the display of delicately shod feet and exquisite, sle
