“ No. 2,” went on Battle in a graver voice, “can only show an empty place. It is the place belonging to Mr. Ronald Devereux, a very gallant young gentleman who died for his country if any man ever did. No. 1⁠—well, No. 1 was Mr. Gerald Wade, another very gallant gentleman who died in the same way. His place was taken⁠—not without some grave misgivings on my part⁠—by a lady⁠—a lady who has proved her fitness to have it and who has been a great help to us.”

The last to do so, No. 1 removed her mask, and Bundle looked without surprise into the beautiful, dark face of Countess Radzky.