“My instructions will be brief. I will state my case, and then answer any questions you find it necessary to ask.”
“I shall ask no needless questions, madam.”
“Then listen.” She nerves herself for a brave effort, and hurries on, her voice somewhat agitated in spite of herself. “For three months past I have been conscious that I am watched, followed, spied upon. I have been much annoyed by this espionage. I never drive or walk alone, without feeling that my shadow is not far away. I begin to fear to trust my servants, and to realize that I have an enemy. Mr. Stanhope, I want you to find out who my enemy is.”
Behind his starry mask, her listener smiled at this woman-like statement of the case. Then he said, tersely:
“You say that you are being spied upon. How do you know this?”
“At first by intuition, I think; a certain vague, uneasy consciousness of a strange, inharmonious presence near me. Being thus put on my guard and roused to watchfulness, I have contrived to see, on various occasions, the same figure dogging my steps.”
“Um! Did you know this figure?”
“No; it was strange to me, but always the same.”
“Then your spy is a blunderer. Let us try and sift this matter: A lady may be shadowed for numerous reasons; do you know why you are watched?”
“N—no,” hesitatingly.