“It wasn’t the sort of thing she’d be likely to teach you,” agreed Jimmy. “Kept you busy with your uncle’s pen, and the umbrella of the gardener’s niece. I know the sort of stuff.”
“But what has happened?” asked the Countess. “That is what I want to know. I demand to know what has happened.”
There was a moment’s silence whilst everybody looked at Superintendent Battle.
“It’s very simple,” said Battle mildly. “Attempted robbery. Some political papers stolen from Sir Stanley Digby. The thieves nearly got away with them, but thanks to this young lady—” he indicated Loraine—“they didn’t.”
The Countess flashed a glance at the girl—rather an odd glance.
“Indeed,” she said coldly.
“A very fortunate coincidence that she happened to be there,” said Superintendent Battle, smiling.
The Countess gave a little sigh and half closed her eyes again.
“It is absurd, but I still feel extremely faint,” she murmured.
“Of course you do,” cried Bill. “Let me help you up to your room. Bundle will come with you.”
“It is very kind of Lady Eileen,” said the Countess, “but I should prefer to be alone. I am really quite all right. Perhaps you will just help me up the stairs?”
She rose to her feet, accepted Bill’s arm and, leaning heavily on it, went out of the room. Bundle followed as far as the hall but, the Countess