“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.”