"I was on my way," he said, "when I heard the war rumours. There seemed to be something in it, so I came back as fast as express trains and steamers would bring me. I only landed in England this morning. I am applying for the post of correspondent to the _London News_." Wolfenden sighed. "I would give the world," he said, "for some such excitement as that!" Densham drew his hand through Wolfenden's arm. "I saw whom you were watching just now," he said. "She is as beautiful as ever!" Wolfenden turned suddenly round. "Densham," he said, "you know who she is--tell me." "Do you mean to say that you have not found out?" "I do! I know her better, but still only as Mr. Sabin's niece!" Densham was silent for several moments. He felt Wolfenden's fingers gripping his arm nervously. "Well, I do not see that I should be betraying any confidence now," he said. "The promise I gave was only binding for a short time, and now that she is to be seen openly with the Duchess de Montegarde, I suppose the embargo is removed. The young lady is the Princess Helène Frances de Bourbon, and the young man is her betrothed husband, the Prince of Ortrens!" Piccadilly became suddenly a vague and shadowy thoroughfare to Wolfenden. He was not quite sure whether his footsteps even reached the pavement. Densham hastened him into the club and, installing him into an easy chair, called for brandies and soda. "Poor old Wolf!" he said softly. "I'm afraid you're like I was--very hard hit. Here, drink this! I'm beastly sorry I told you, but I certainly thought that you would have had some idea." "I have been a thick-headed idiot!" Wolfenden exclaimed. "There have been heaps of things from which I might have guessed something near the truth, at any rate. What a fool she must have thought me!" The two men were silent. Outside in the street there was a rush for a special edition, and a half cheer rang in the room. A waiter entered with a handful of copies which were instantly seized upon. Wolfenden secured one and read the headings. "MOBILIZATION DECLARED. ALL LEAVE CANCELLED. CABINET COUNCIL STILL SITTING." "Densham, do you realise that we are really in for war?" Densham nodded. "I don't think there can be any doubt about it myself. What a thunderbolt! By the bye, where is your friend, Mr. Sabin?" Wolfenden shook his head. "I do not know; I came to London partially to see him. I have an account to settle when we do meet; at present he has disappeared. Densham!" "Well!" "If Miss Sabin has become the Princess Helène of Bourbon, who is Mr. Sabin?" "I am not sure," Densham answered, "I have been looking into the genealogy of the family, and if he is really her uncle, there is only one man whom he can be--the Duke de Souspennier!" "Souspennier! Wasn't he banished from France for something or other--intriguing for the restoration of the Monarchy, I think it was?" Densham nodded.