“You scoundrel!” I cried, facing him fiercely. “You listened to our conversation!”
He shrugged his shoulders, and with the same grim smile, answered,—
“My ears are trained, m’sieur. It is part of my profession.”
“But why do you remain here, in a peaceable household?” I demanded. “Surely neither Mrs Laing nor Ella have incurred the Tzar’s displeasure or the hatred of those in authority! They know nothing of Russia; they have never set foot in the country.”
The man’s features relaxed, and turning from me, he busied himself among some bottles on the sideboard.
“I desire an answer,” I continued.
“I have my instructions,” he replied, without looking towards me.
“From whom?”
“From headquarters.”
“Well,” I exclaimed. “We are not in Russia, therefore, when the ladies return, I shall explain who and what you are.”