urge the train to quicker
motion--she was glad when at last they roared into the station at
Brussels.

Grace had never before been in the Belgian capital, but she summoned a
cab, and proceeded without difficulty to the Hotel Metropole. Here she
was assigned to a small suite, and at once began to unpack the steamer
trunk which was the only baggage she had brought with her. It was after
four o'clock when she had completed this task, and had removed the
stains of travel and changed her gown. As she came into the tiny parlor
which formed the second of the two rooms of the suite, she heard a
tapping at the door, and upon opening it, discovered one of the hotel
maids, waiting outside with fresh towels. The girl came in, and busied
herself setting to rights the toilet articles on the washstand. Grace,
who was engaged in listlessly watching the traffic in the square
outside, paid no attention to her. Presently she heard the girl come in
from the bedroom, and inquire if there was anything else that she could
do for her. "Nothing," she replied, without turning. The maid, however,
did not leave the room, but stood near by, observing her. Grace faced
about. "That is all," she said sharply.

"I have something to say to you, mademoiselle," the girl whispered in a
low tone, as she took a step forward. "A message from Monsieur Lefevre."

"Monsieur Lefevre? You?"

"Yes, mademoiselle, I am in his confidence. I know the purpose of your
visit here, and I come to give you further instructions." She spoke
quietly, impressively, and Grace was convinced that she was what she
represented herself to be. Still, she felt the necessity of caution.
"Please explain," she remarked, without further committing herself.

The girl approached still closer, and reaching into the bosom of her
dress, drew out a ring similar to the one which the Prefect had given
Grace. It was attached to a bit of ribbon. She glanced at the ring on
Grace's finger and smiled. "May I suggest, mademoiselle," she said,
"that you place the ring you are wearing where it will be less
conspicuous?"

Grace colored slightly at the criticism which the woman's words implied,
but drew the ring from her finger and placed it in her purse. "What have
you to say to me?" she inquired.

"This, mademoiselle. Certain persons, whose identity is not known to the
police, have committed a theft in London--in fact, have stolen a
valuable article from the French Ambassador there, Monsieur de Gri