“Oh, how lovely! Tell me who she is! I’m dying to shoot a spy.”

Marie Louise sickened at the bloodthirstiness of Polly the insouciante.

Mrs. Prothero tried to put down the riot of interest by saying:

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“Oh, it’s nothing. Lady Clifton-Wyatt is just joking.”

Lady Clifton-Wyatt was at bay. She shot a glance at Marie Louise and insisted:

“Indeed I’m not! I tell you she is a spy.”

“Who’s a spy?” Polly demanded.

“Miss Webling,” said Lady Clifton-Wyatt.

Polly began to giggle; then she frowned with disappointment.