Jimmy, Loraine and the doctor went off together. Bundle continued to throw agonised glances in the direction of Superintendent Battle, who had been buttonholed by George. The Superintendent waited patiently till a pause occurred in George’s loquacity. He then swiftly took advantage of it.
“I wonder, sir, if I might have a word privately with Sir Stanley? In the little study at the end there.”
“Certainly,” said George. “Certainly. I’ll go and fetch him at once.”
He hurried off upstairs again. Battle drew Bundle swiftly into the drawing-room and shut the door.
“Now, Lady Eileen, what is it?”
“I’ll tell you as quickly as I can—but it’s rather long and complicated.”
As concisely as she could, Bundle related her introduction to the Seven Dials Club and her subsequent adventures there. When she had finished, Superintendent Battle drew a long breath. For once, his facial woodenness was laid aside.
“Remarkable,” he said. “Remarkable. I wouldn’t have believed it possible—even for you, Lady Eileen. I ought to have known better.”
“But you did give me a hint, Superintendent Battle. You told me to ask Bill Eversleigh.”
“It’s dangerous to give people like you a hint, Lady Eileen. I never dreamt of your going to the lengths you have.”
“Well, it’s all right, Superintendent Battle. My death doesn’t lie at your door.”
“Not yet, it doesn’t,” said Battle grimly.