“I haven’t told my friends yet that I live in such a horrible place,” said Thalia sweetly, and locked the door before the woman could think of a suitable reply. She smiled as she carried the envelope to the light. It was addressed in printed characters. She turned it over, looking at the postmark before she opened it, and extracted a thick white card. At the first glance of the message her face changed its expression. The card was a square one, and in the centre was a large crimson circle. Within the circle was written in the same printed characters: “_We have need of you. Enter the car which you will find waiting at the corner of Steyne Square at ten o’clock to-morrow night._” She put the card down on the table and stared at it. The Crimson Circle had need of her! She had expected the summons, but it had come earlier than she had anticipated. Chapter XI. The Confession At three minutes to ten the following night, a closed car drove slowly into Steyne Square and came to a halt at the corner of Clarges Street. A few minutes later Thalia Drummond walked into the square from the other end. She wore a long black cloak, and the little hat upon her head was held in its position by a thick veil knotted under her chin. Without a second’s hesitation she opened the door of the car and stepped in. It was in complete darkness, but she could see the figure of the driver indistinctly. He did not turn his head, nor did he attempt to start the car, although she felt the vibration of the engines beneath her feet. “You were charged at the Marylebone Police Court yesterday morning with theft,” said the driver without preamble. “Yesterday afternoon you inserted an advertisement, describing yourself as a newly-arrived colonial, your intention being to find another situation, where you could continue your career of petty pilfering.” “This is very interesting,” said Thalia without a tremor of voice, “but you did not bring me here to give me my past history. When I had your letter I guessed that you thought I would be a very useful assistant. But there is one question I want to ask you.” “If I wish to reply I shall,” was the uncompromising answer. “I realise that,” said Thalia, with a faint smile in the darkness. “Suppose I had communicated with the police and I had come here attended by Mr. Parr and the clever Mr. Derrick Yale?” “You would have been lying on the pavement dead by now,” was the calm announcement. “Miss Drummond, I am going to put easy money in your way and find you a very excellent job. I do not even mind if you indulge in your eccentricity in your spare time, but your principal task will be to serve me. You understand?” She nodded, and then realising he could not see her, she said: “Yes.” “You will be well paid for everything you do; I shall always be on hand to help you--or to punish you if you attempt to betray me,” he added. “Do you understand?” “Perfectly,” she replied.