“And have you discovered that?” she enquired.

He shook his head.

“Everything that we have learnt so far has been of negative value,” he replied.  “The German citizen army is large, but not threateningly so.  So far as we have been able to discover, they do not seem to have any secret store of guns or ammunition.  Their docks hold no secrets.  Yet we know that there is something brewing.  Both the men upon whom my uncle relied have been murdered.”

“But one of them succeeded in getting a dispatch through, did he not?” she asked quietly.

“Yes, he succeeded,” Nigel acknowledged.  “My uncle was murdered, however, in the act of decoding it, and the dispatch itself was stolen.”

“You are very frank,” she said.  “I suppose I ought to feel flattered that you treat me with so little reserve.”

“If you are a friend to Germany,” he replied, “you probably know all that I can tell you.  If you are inclined towards friendship with us, then it is as well that you should know everything.”

“That is reasonable,” she admitted.  “Now listen.  This conversation can only last a few minutes longer.  It is true that Oscar Immelan is my father’s old friend and also mine, but my judgment in all matters which relate to the welfare of my country is not influenced by that fact.”

“There was a report once,” Nigel said, taking his courage into both hands, “that you were engaged to be married to him.”

She looked him in the eyes.  Against the whiteness of his skin, the colour of her own seemed more wonderful than ever.

“That is not true,” she replied.  “It will never be true.”

“I am glad,” he declared fervently.

There was a brief pause.  Both seemed conscious of a renewal of that air of disturbance which had reigned between them during their first few moments alone.  It was Naida who made an effort to restore their conversation to its former tone.

“If Germany has any scheme against this country,” she said, “believe me, it will not be so obvious as you seem to think.  It will be a scheme which can only be carried out with the assistance of other countries, and that assistance is not yet wholly promised.  I cannot betray to you my knowledge of certain things,” she went on, after a moment’s hesitation, “but I can at least give you this warning.  It is not for his health alone that Prince Shan is flying from China to Paris.  If there is a single member of your Government who has the least apprehension of world politics, now is the time for action.”

“There is no one,” Nigel answered gloomily.

The box was suddenly invaded.  Karetsky reappeared with several other men.  In the rear of the little procession came Immelan.  His face darkened as he recognised Nigel.  Naida looked across at him with a slight frown upon her forehead.

“You have changed your mind?” she remarked.  “I thought you were for Paris to-night?”