The Secret Adversary

hey were also experts in training a "raw girl," the inevitable result being that the raw girl, once trained, departed elsewh

chef, as Tuppence had an opportunity of judging that evening. Mrs. Vandemeyer was expecting a guest to dinner, and Tuppence accordingly laid the beautifully polished table for two. She was a little exercised in her own mind as to this visitor. It was highly

nswer it with some inward trepidation. She was relieved to see that the visi

ounced him, and Mrs. Vandemeyer rose from her se

o see you, Boris Iv

e!" He bowed lo

turned to t

remarked, and affecting a frank an

gentleman,

here

e. What d'you w

's all," explained the girl, adding with an ap

my mind about the souff

ce to herself, but aloud she only sa

y about her partner. Where was he? Why had no word of any kind come from him? She had arranged before leaving the Ritz to have all letters or messages sent on at once by special messenger to a small stationer's shop near at hand whe

en, new dances, and the latest society gossip. After dinner they repaired to the small boudoir where Mrs. Vandemeyer, stretched on the divan, lo

isn'

r was a fiend. This girl seem

the door which she had carefully ne

afe, I s

usin of the hall porter, or something of the kind. And nobody even

be careful, Rita. Th

t then," laug

moved herse

ess speed acquired in hospital. Then she slipped quietly back to the boudoir door. The cook, more leisurely,

ng anything of it. She dared not reopen the door, however gently. Mrs. Vandemeyer was sitti

sperately, then her face brightened. She went quickly along the passage to Mrs. Vandemeyer's bedroom, which had long French windows leading on to a balcony that ran the length of the flat. S

uld be twisted to apply to Tommy. Mrs. Vandemeyer and the Russian seemed to

recklessness, you wi

is the best way of disarming suspicion. You will realiz

gerton. Not only is he, perhaps, the most celebrated K.C. in

mly. "What of it? I may need his assistance in that line myself some day. If so, how fortun

n striding up and dow

t you are also a fool! Be guided

yer shook he

hink

was an ugly ring in

d

snarled the Russi

also rose to her fee

I am accountable to no one. I ta

ew up his han

ay Peel Edgerton can smell a criminal! How do we know what is at the bottom of his

yer eyed him

your usual chivalry, you seem to forget that I am commonly accounted a

k his head

n in this kingdom has studied it. Do

meyer's ey

t you say-it woul

eavens,

xtremely rich. I am not one who despises m

uld sell your soul for money. I believe--" He paused, then in a low, sin

smiled and shrug

rmous," she said lightly. "It would be beyond

e Russian. "You

s, can you no

it a

cour

at your ideas of humour a

ndemeye

ris. Touch the bell. We

self in Mrs. Vandemeyer's long glass, and be sure that nothing w

beyond doubt the complicity of both Rita and Boris, threw very little light on

ncredible that Tommy, if all was well with him, should not send any word to her. A cold hand seemed to close round her heart....

ou usually go

my usual d

yer lifted h

ose you hardly wish to go out to-

of asking you if

d at her a minute lon

roadened, catlike. "Your request is very-typical. I am satisfied. You do not understand all th

you,

r's presence. Once again she admitted to herself that she was af

bed by the ringing of the front door bell, and went to answer it. This time th

man. His face, clean-shaven and exquisitely mobile, was stamped with an expressio

down as an actor or a lawyer, but her doubts were soon

r England. She had heard it said that he might one day be Prime Minister. He was known to have refused o

at man had impressed her. She understood Boris's agita

ad given her a piercing glance before. Now, as she handed him his hat and stick, she was conscious of his ey

doing this

he read in his glance kindliness, and s

though she

d hard up,

tell you that?" asked

ok of you told me.

d, thank

good places nowadays. And a c

an--?" beg

e topmost stair. He looked back

," he said.

to the pantry more