The officers agreed that it would be best to keep the knowledge of the non-arrival of Madame from the public and the police. Just then the proprietor of the hotel came to the door and said, "Madame, there are two policemen downstairs and they want your registration form at once." Under the Defense of the Realm Act every one entering an hotel, or boarding or lodging house is required to fill in a form declaring his name, address, occupation, and intended destination. This rule was most rigidly enforced by the police authorities.
"Can't they wait till I get a cup of tea?" asked Mairé.
"No. They said they would wait and take it back to the station with them."
"Very well," said Mairé. "Give it to me."
She filled out the form something like this, neglecting the minor details.
Name:—Mairé Perolz.
Address:—No fixed address—vagrant.
Age:—20?
Occupation:—None.
Nationality:—Irish.
She then gave it to the proprietor who took it away. From the window they watched the policemen carrying it to the police station, apparently very much absorbed in it. They returned shortly and asked to see the lady. When they came in to the room they still carried the registration form.
"You haven't filled in this form satisfactorily, Madame," said one. "You must have some fixed address and some occupation."
"No indeed," said Mairé. "I live on my wits."
"And you are a Russian subject."