The Eternal Struggle
Count Romanoff was faultlessly dressed, and looked calm and smiling.
"Ah, Countess," he said, "I am fortunate in finding you alone. But you have had visitors, or, to be more exact, a visitor."
"Yes; I have had visitors. I often have of an afternoon."
"But he has been here."
"Well, and what then?"
The Count gazed at her steadily, and his eyes had a sinister gleam in them.
"I have come to have a quiet chat with you," he said—"come to know how matters stand."
"You want to know more than I can tell you."
Again the Count scrutinised her closely. He seemed to be trying to read her mind.