“What can I do for you, Lady Mary?” he asked.
She saw the recognition in his eyes even before he spoke, and wondered at it.
“You know me?” she exclaimed.
“I know most people,” he answered, drily; “it is part of my profession.”
“Tell me—you are Mr. Peter Ruff,” she said, “the famous specialist in the detection of crime? You know that Brian Sotherst is my brother?”
“Yes,” he said, “I know it! I am sorry—very sorry, indeed.”
He handed her a chair. She seated herself with a little tightening of the lips.
“I want more than sympathy from you, Mr. Ruff,” she warned him. “I want your help.”
“It is my profession,” he admitted, “but your brother’s case makes intervention difficult, does it not?”
“You mean—” she began.