"Because Vassilitz had admitted him in my absence. He had no right to, but—he did. I cannot—but it doesn't matter now. I simply dared not refuse to see him, so I affected cordiality and—gave him tea."
Ruxton made an impatient movement.
"Who is Vassilitz? What is he?" he demanded in a level tone.
"My butler. He is a Pole—a German Pole. All my servants are Poles. I have known them all my——"
"Ah. And you marvel at the power of the Secret Service?"
The gravity of her lover's tone startled Vita. But she could not credit his suspicion.
"But I have known them all my life. They are devoted to me and mine."
"Then I should know them no longer. But tell me of Von Salzinger. He has found you out. It does not much matter how. The purpose of his visit. That is the important matter."
It was some moments before Vita replied. A fresh terror was slowly taking possession of her. After a while, however, she pulled herself together with an effort.
"He told me it was to see me. I have told you that years ago he made love to me. He pretended his visit was—to see me."