Altogether, Bundle went up to dress in a pleasant mood of expectation, with a slight nervous dread hovering in the background whenever she thought of the imminent arrival of Mrs. Macatta. Bundle felt that dalliance with Mrs. Macatta was going to prove no primrose path.
Her first shock was when she came down, demurely attired in a black lace frock, and passed along the hall. A footman was standing there—at least a man dressed as a footman. But that square, burly figure lent itself badly to the deception. Bundle stopped and stared.
"Superintendent Battle," she breathed.
"That's right, Lady Eileen."
"Oh!" said Bundle uncertainly. "Are you here to—to—"
"Keep an eye on things."
"I see."
"That warning letter, you know," said the Superintendent, "fairly put the wind up Mr. Lomax. Nothing would do for him but that I should come down myself."
"But don't you think—" began Bundle, and stopped. She hardly liked to suggest to the Superintendent that his disguise was not a particularly efficient one. He seemed to have "police officer" written all over him, and Bundle could hardly imagine the most unsuspecting criminal failing to be put on his guard.
"You think," said the Superintendent stolidly, "that I might be recognized?"