"Mademoiselle," she explained, "a thousand pardons, and to Monsieur
also, but there is a gentleman here who says that his business is
of the most urgent importance, and that he must see you at once. I
have done all that I can, but he will not go away. He knows that
Monsieur Bellamy is here, too," she added, turning to him, "and
he says his business has to do with Monsieur as well as Mademoiselle."

Bellamy almost snatched the card from the girl's fingers. He read
out the name in blank amazement.

"Baron de Streuss!"

There was a moment's silence. Louise and he exchanged wondering
glances.

"What can this mean?" she asked hoarsely.

"Heaven knows!" he answered. "Let us see him together. After all
- after all - "

"You can show the gentleman in, Annette," her mistress ordered.

"If he has the papers," Bellamy continued slowly, "why does he come
to us? It is not like these men to be vindictive. Diplomacy to
them is nothing - a game of chess. I do not understand."

The door opened. Annette announced their visitor. Streuss bowed
low to Louise - he bowed, also, to Bellamy.