Griffiths came into the room alone, however,
and waited until the door was closed before he spoke. He carried
himself as awkwardly as ever, but his long, lean face seemed to
have taken to itself a new expression. He had the air of a man
indulging in some strange pleasure.
"Lady Cranston," he said, "I am very sorry to intrude, but my visit
here is official."
"What is it?" she asked hoarsely.
"I have received confirmatory evidence in the matter of which I
spoke to you this afternoon," he went on. "I am sorry to disturb
you at such an hour, but it is my duty to arrest this man on a
charge of espionage."
Lessingham to all appearance remained unmoved.
"A most objectionable word," he remarked.
"A most villainous profession," Captain Griffiths retorted. "Thank
heaven that in this country we are learning the art of dealing with
its disciples."
"This is all a hideous mistake," Philippa declared feverishly. "I
assure you that Mr. Lessingham has visited my father's house, that
he was well-known to me years ago."
"As the Baron Maderstrom! What arguments he has used, Lady Cranston,
to induce you to accept him here under his new identity, I do not
know, but the facts are very clear."
"He seems quite convinced, doesn't he?" Lessingham remarked, turning
to Philippa. "And as I gather that a portion of the British Army,
assisted by the local constabulary, is waiting for me outside,
perhaps I had better humour him.
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