"Nothing directly," she replied, "but my rooms have been searched
- even my dressing-room at the Opera House. That man's spies are
simply wonderful. He seems able to plant them everywhere. And,
David! - "

"Yes, dear?"

"He has got hold of Lassen," she continued. "I am perfectly
certain of it."

Then the sooner you get rid of Lassen, the better," Bellamy
declared.

"It is so difficult," she murmured, in a perplexed tone. "The man
has all my affairs in his hands. Up till now, although he is
uncomely, and a brute in many ways, he has served me well."

"If he is Streuss's creature he must go," Bellamy insisted.

She nodded.

"Let us sit down for a few minutes," she said. "I am tired."

She sank on to a seat and Bellamy sat by her side. In full view
of them was Buckingham Palace with its flag flying. She looked
thoughtfully at it and across to Westminster.

"Do they know, I wonder, your country-people?" she asked.