"But why do you remain here, in a peaceable household?" I demanded. "Surely neither Mrs Laing nor Ella have incurred the Tzar's displeasure or the hatred of those in authority! They know nothing of Russia; they have never set foot in the country." The man's features relaxed, and turning from me, he busied himself among some bottles on the sideboard. "I desire an answer," I continued. "I have my instructions," he replied, without looking towards me. "From whom?" "From headquarters." "Well," I exclaimed. "We are not in Russia, therefore, when the ladies return, I shall explain who and what you are." "You dare not," he said, regarding me suddenly with dark, penetrating gaze. "Miss Ella will soon be my wife, and I will not allow her actions to be noted upon one of those formidable forms of yours that are too often the death-warrants of your victims." "These ladies are not my victims, as you are pleased to term them," he protested, laughing at my anger. "Victims or friends, they shall no longer remain under your accursed surveillance," I cried hotly. "You may practice your espionage upon your suspected compatriots; but I will never allow you to keep observation upon my friends here in England." "Very well," he said, quite calmly, with that cynical expression that was so tantalising. "Act as you think fit. We, of the secret service, take no step before due consideration of its consequences, a policy it would be wise for you also to adopt." Then, with a show of mock politeness, he opened the door of the dining-room, and, bowing, exclaimed, "Madame is out, will m'sieur remain, or call again?" Our eyes met, and I saw in his a look of triumph. "I'll call again," I replied, and walked out into the hall, gaining the street a moment later. The first passing hansom I hailed, and drove at once to Chesham House, where I was fortunate to find Paul. When we were closeted together, I told him of the police officer's threat, and my announcement caused him considerable astonishment. "Curious," he repeated, as if to himself. "Very curious that Renouf should be installed in that family, above all others." "Above all others," I echoed. "Why?" "I--I mean that Mrs Laing could not possibly have done anything to offend our Government," he said, quickly correcting himself. "It is certainly very strange. Renouf is not a man to be trifled with," he added quickly. "There must be some very strong reason, known only to himself, that has induced him to act in this manner. If the motive were not a strong one, he would delegate the menial position he has had to assume to one of his subordinates. I know he has his hands full of important inquiries just now, and it therefore surprises me that he is calmly reposing as butler in Mrs Laing's service." "But knowing him to be a spy, I cannot allow him to remain longer in daily contact with those two defenceless women," I exclaimed. "Have they ever been in Russia?"