But that sentiment, which resembled the irrational horror some people have of cats, did not stand in the way of his immense contempt for the English police.

He finished the sentence addressed to the great lady, and turned slightly in his chair.
"You mean that we have a great experience of these people.

Yes; indeed, we suffer greatly from their activity, while you"-- Mr Vladimir hesitated for a moment, in smiling perplexity--"while you suffer their presence gladly in your midst," he finished, displaying a dimple on each clean-shaven cheek.

Then he added more gravely: "I may even say--because you do." When Mr Vladimir ceased speaking the Assistant Commissioner lowered his glance, and the conversation dropped.

Almost immediately afterwards Mr Vladimir took leave.
Directly his back was turned on the couch the Assistant Commissioner rose too.
"I thought you were going to stay and take Annie home," said the lady patroness of Michaelis.
"I find that I've yet a little work to do to-night." "In connection-- ?" "Well, yes--in a way." "Tell me, what is it really--this horror ?" "It's difficult to say what it is, but it may yet be a _cause celebre_," said the Assistant Commissioner.
He left the drawing-room hurriedly, and found Mr Vladimir still in the hall, wrapping up his throat carefully in a large silk handkerchief.
Behind him a footman waited, holding his overcoat.