"Why should it be incredible?" demanded Alicia,
flushing.

"Because he is a mere tyro in diplomacy. 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