Anthony kindly hauled him on to his legs. The stranger settled his coat, pulled up his collar, and directed a keen look at Battle. “I demand pardon,” he said, “but do I understand that you are a representative from Scotland Yard?” “That’s right,” said Battle. “Then I will present to you my credentials.” He smiled rather ruefully. “I would have been wise to do so before.” He took some papers from his pocket and handed them to the Scotland Yard detective. At the same time, he turned back the lapel of his coat and showed something pinned there. Battle gave an exclamation of astonishment. He looked through the papers and handed them back with a little bow. “I’m sorry you’ve been man-handled, monsieur,” he said, “but you brought it on yourself, you know.” He smiled, noting the astonished expression on the faces of the other. “This is a colleague we have been expecting for some time,” he said. “M. Lemoine, of the Sûreté in Paris.” 19 Secret History They all stared at the French detective, who smiled back at them. “But yes,” he said, “it is true.” There was a pause for a general readjusting of ideas. Then Virginia turned to Battle. “Do you know what I think, Superintendent Battle?” “What do you think, Mrs. Revel?” “I think the time has come to enlighten us a little.” “To enlighten you? I don’t quite understand, Mrs. Revel.” “Superintendent Battle, you understand perfectly. I dare say Mr. Lomax has hedged you about with recommendations of secrecy—George would, but surely it’s better to tell us than have us stumbling on the secret all by ourselves, and perhaps doing untold harm. M. Lemoine, don’t you agree with me?” “Madame, I agree with you entirely.” “You can’t go on keeping things dark for ever,” said Battle. “I’ve told Mr. Lomax so. Mr. Eversleigh is Mr. Lomax’s secretary, there’s no objection to his knowing what there is to know. As for Mr. Cade, he’s been brought into the thing willy-nilly, and I consider he’s a right to know where he stands. But——” Battle paused. “I know,” said Virginia. “Women are so indiscreet! I’ve often heard George say so.” Lemoine had been studying Virginia attentively. Now he turned to the Scotland Yard man. “Did I hear you just now address Madame by the name of Revel?” “That is my name,” said Virginia. “Your husband was in the Diplomatic Service, was he not? And you were with him in Herzoslovakia just before the assassination of the late King and Queen.” “Yes.” Lemoine turned again. “I think Madame has a right to hear the story. She is indirectly concerned. Moreover”—his eyes twinkled a little—“Madame’s reputation for discretion stands very high in Diplomatic circles.” “I’m glad they give me a good character,” said Virginia, laughing. “And I’m glad I’m not going to be left out of it.” “What about refreshments?” said Anthony. “Where does the conference take place? Here?”