“And since you must know the full truth,” he continued politely, “the careful search of your room in your absence this evening--including the removal of the rugs and bedding. Oh, don’t be disturbed, I beg of you,” as she made a movement of alarm, “they have all been replaced with a nice care for detail.” “And if I told Lady Heathcote of this----” “I am quite sure that the best interests of all,” he said politely, “are conserved--by silence.” She meditated a moment, her gaze on the coals. “Yes,” she said slowly, “you’re clever--more than ordinarily clever. I can’t understand how I could ever have refused you. But don’t you think your methods have been a little--er--unchivalrous?” “The importance of my objects admitted of no delay. I hope you have not been inconvenienced----” “Not in the least,” calmly. “My recollection of your many civilities merely made me think that your agents were overzealous.” “I am sorry,” he said genuinely. “It could not be helped. You and I are merely pawns in a game greater than anything the world has ever known.” “I didn’t want you to apologize. I merely thought in order to avoid comment that you might have come to me yourself.” “I thought I might save you the unpleasantness of a controversy which can only have one end.” “You mean--that you will win.” “I do.” “How?” “You will give me the papers--here, tonight.” “And if I told you that I had destroyed them?” “That would be manifestly untrue, since at the present moment in the position of your body their outline is quite clearly defined on the inside of your right knee.” Doris put both slippers upon the ground, her feet together, her face flushing warmly. “I hope you will forgive my frankness,” she heard him say gently, “but the method of your challenge--is--unusual.” She clasped her hands around her knees and frowned into the fire. “You mistake, I think, my friend. It is not a challenge. It is merely a method of defense--the safest, I am sure, against John Rizzio.” He bowed low with deep ceremony. “Of course, I am helpless.” And then, “I can only rely on your good sense and”--here his voice sunk a note lower--“and on your loyalty to the cause of England.” This was the opening that she had been waiting for. She thrust quickly. “And if the cause is England’s why didn’t Scotland Yard come to Ashwater Park?” “Dunsinane to Burnam Wood!” he shrugged. “They would have made asinine mistakes as they always do--the chief of which would have been that of denouncing Miss Doris Mather as an agent of England’s enemies.” The girl tapped her toe reflectively upon the rug. “I won’t attempt subterfuge. Of course, I know the contents of that packet.” “You wouldn’t be a woman if you didn’t.” “And how it was passed from Captain Byfield to Cyril Hammersley.” This was a random shot but it hit the mark. Rizzio’s eyes dilated slightly, but she saw them. “Byfield! Impossible.” “Not at all. Cyril told me,” she lied.