"Yes, I have met Mrs. Clephane," she replied indifferently, and without
so much as a glance her way.
It was to be a battle, so why delay it?
"Your Excellency," said she, "when this appointment was made, some days
ago, I thought that it was merely to enable an insignificant woman to
say that she had met a great dignitary and famous man. I think so no
longer. It has assumed an international significance. I am here not as
plain Madeline Spencer but as Madeline Spencer of the German Secret
Service. It seems that a certain letter intended for the French
Ambassador has gone astray, and has come into your possession; therefore
I am to be asked to explain the matter, though I've never seen the
letter nor know the cipher in which, I am told by Mr. Harleston, it is
written. So what is it you would of me, your Excellency?"
"My dear Madame Spencer," said the Secretary, "what you say as to the
original reason for this little meeting, arranged by our mutual friend,
Mr. Harleston, is absolutely correct--except that it was a mere man who
was desirous of being presented to a beautiful and a famous woman. It
seems, however, that certain circumstances have suddenly arisen that
made it imperative for the meeting to be advanced half an hour--"
"What are those circumstances, may I ask?" she cut in.
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