I don't care for
these diplomatic affairs; they may be regular but they seem
unnecessarily dangerous. I was simply a substitute anyway, and I won't
substitute again; though how you people discovered it I don't see.'
"'Because you're new at the game,' she replied, as we passed into the
drawing-room.
"She closed the door--and I soon satisfied her that the package was not
concealed about me.
"'I may go now?' I inquired.
"'I think so, but I must consult the Chief,' she replied. 'I'll be back
in a minute.'
"They seemed high-class knaves at least; but it was quite evident that
the diplomatic game and its secret service were distinctly not in my
line. I want no more of them even to oblige a friend in distress. I hate
a mess!"
"I'm very glad for this mess," Harleston interjected. "Otherwise I
should not have--met you."
"And you are the only compensation for the mess, Mr. Harleston!" she
smiled.
She said it so earnestly Harleston was almost persuaded that she meant
it--though he replied with a shrug and a sceptical laugh.
"But the woman was long in returning," Mrs. Clephane resumed; "and after
a while I put out the light, and going to the window raised the shade.
The cab was no longer before the house; it had moved a little distance
to the left, and the horse was lying down in the shafts.
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