Because there is a German embassy at Petersburg, and they would not send a man from London on a mission--at least, it is most unlikely." "It seems to me quite natural," declared the Baroness.
She was showing more fight than her mother had ever encountered from her before, and the opposition seemed to inflame Lady Grillyer's resentment against the unfilial couple.
"You know nothing about it! What is this mission about ?" "That certainly is a secret," said Alicia, relieved that there was something left to keep her promise over.
"Has he gone alone ?" "I--I mustn't tell you, mamma." Alicia's face betrayed this subterfuge.
"You do not know yourself, Alicia," said the Countess incisively.

"And so you need no longer pretend to be keeping a secret from me.

It now becomes our joint business to discover the actual truth.

Do not attempt to wrangle with me further! This investigation is necessary for your peace of mind, dear." The unfortunate Baroness dropped a silent tear.

Her peace of mind had been serenely undisturbed till this moment, and now it was only broken by the thought of her husband's displeasure should he ever learn how she had disobeyed his injunctions.