e very first opportunity." The girl rose,
gathered up the soiled towels which she had taken from the bedroom, and
went toward the door. "That is all, mademoiselle, except that you will
communicate to us any news of importance by means of a young man who
goes to the house each morning and evening to deliver bread. He comes in
a small wagon, and you will no doubt be able to speak with him, as he
enters or leaves the grounds. He is quite safe, and can be trusted.
Address your communications to him verbally--no letters, understand;
they are always dangerous. And now, let me suggest that you arrange to
see Dr. Hartmann at once."

"But--he may require reference--credentials."

"We have thought of that, and have prepared the way. One of our men has
ascertained that the United States Minister here is acquainted with
you--that your family is known to him. Your aunt, you will remember, was
quite prominent in society, in New York, at the time she married
Monsieur the Count d'Este. Whether the Minister is acquainted with you
personally, we have not been able to learn, but that he knows who you
are, is certain."

"Then I had best call upon him, and arrange for letters to Dr.
Hartmann."

"That is the best course. His house is near by. Take a cab at once, go
to him, and state your errand. You will have no difficulty, I feel
sure." She noiselessly opened the door, and in a moment was gone,
leaving Grace in a state of wonder. She did not waste much time,
however, in speculating upon the curious affair in which she found
herself involved, but putting on her hat, started off at once in search
of the American Minister.

CHAPTER III

When Richard Duvall and his companion entered the house of the French
Ambassador in London, it was evident that their arrival was expected.
The detective had no more than given his name to the butler who threw
open the door, when the latter, with a bow of recognition, conducted
them to a small reception-room to the right of the entrance, and
informed them that Monsieur de Grissac would see them at once.

They did not have long to wait. The Ambassador, a thin, spare,
nervous-looking man of sixty, with white hair and a gray-white mustache,
came hurriedly into the room after but a few moments had elapsed, and
greeting them excitedly, bade them be seated. He himself remained
standing, his back to the fireplace, twirling his eyeglasses at the end
of their black silk ribbon, and observing his visitor