with a basket of electric bulbs is now testing the lights in every
occupied room. The moment he finds Mrs. Clephane, or anything that
points to her, he will advise us."

"Good!" said Harleston. "Meanwhile, I'll have another look in Peacock
Alley."

He was aware that he was acting on a pure hunch. He realized that his
theory of Mrs. Clephane's imprisonment in the house was most
inconsistent with the facts. Why did they release her last night, if
they were fearful of her communicating to the French Ambassador the loss
of the letter? And why should they take her again this evening? It was
all unreasonable; yet reason does not prevail against a hunch--even to a
reasoning man, who is also a diplomat.

He sauntered along the gay corridor bowing to those he knew. As he
faced about to return, he saw Madeline Spencer, alone, bearing down upon
him.

The moment their eyes met, she signalled a glad smile and advanced with
hands extended.

"Why, Guy!" she exclaimed. "What a surprise this is!"

"And what a charming pleasure to me, Madeline," he added, taking both
her hands and holding them. "I thought you were in Paris; indeed, I
thought you would never leave the City of Boulevards."

"So did I, yet here I am; yet not for long, I trust, Guy, not for long."