The woman of mystery

This etext was transcribed by Les Bowler
GEORGES OHNET
AUTHOR OF “THE IRONMASTER,” “DOCTOR RAMEAU,” ETC.
TRANSLATED BY FRED. ROTHWELL, B.A.
A NEW EDITION
LONDON CHATTO & WINDUS
1904
PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, LONDON AND BECCLES.
In his study, situated in the Rue Saint-Dominique, the Minister of War was walking to and fro. In furious fashion he twisted his moustache, which seemed even redder than usual, as he nervously fingered his eyeglass, in a manner which promised anything but a cordial welcome to any who entered his presence. Doubtless, his officers were well acquainted with the reasons of his ill-humour, for a profound silence reigned all around, and the great man’s solitude was undisturbed save by the querulous twitterings of the birds in the garden. A minute later, he seemed to lose all patience, and, marching to the mantelpiece, he pressed an electric bell. An usher, with anxious mien, at once approached.
“Has Colonel Vallenot returned?” exclaimed the Minister, in fierce tones.
The servant shrunk away, as though he would have liked the earth to open and swallow him; then he stammered, faintly—
“I do not think so, sir—I will ask—”