The man from Scotland Yard hazarded another and even more potential stroke while the iron was hot.
"I am from Scotland Yard," he said. "We make some mistakes there, I admit, but not many." He proceeded to lie boldly. "I know who you are, my lady, and—But it is not necessary to go into that at present. Do not be alarmed. You have nothing to fear from me,—or from Scotland Yard. I—"
"Well, I should hope not!" burst out Mrs. Sparflight indignantly.
"What does he want?" cried Jane, in trepidation. She addressed her friend, but it was Mr. Chambers who answered.
"I want you to supply me with a little information concerning Lord Eric Temple,—whom you addressed last evening as James."
Jane began to tremble. Scotland Yard!
"The man is crazy," said Mrs. Sparflight, leaping into the breach. "By what right, sir, do you come here to impose your—"
"No offence is intended, ma'am," broke in Mr. Chambers. "Absolutely no offence. It is merely in the line of duty that I come. In plain words, I have been instructed to apprehend Lord Eric Temple and fetch him to London. You see, I am quite frank about it. You can aid me by being as frank in return, ladies."
By this time Jane had regained command of herself. Drawing herself up, she faced the detective, and, casting discretion to the winds, took a most positive and determined stand.
"I must decline,—no matter what the cost may be to myself,—to give you the slightest assistance concerning Lord Temple."