“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.